URGENT UPDATE: The San Jose Sharks are grappling with a growing injury crisis as center Ty Dellandrea left Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets with an undisclosed injury. The Sharks, already without defensemen John Klingberg and Shakir Mukhamadullin, now face uncertainty as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on January 8, 2026.
Dellandrea exited the game with just 4:45 remaining in the second period after crashing into the goalpost. His absence would be a significant blow, as he plays a vital role on the third line and is a leading penalty killer and faceoff specialist for the team. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky provided no immediate update on Dellandrea’s condition post-game, raising alarm as the team heads into a critical stretch in the Western Conference playoff race.
The injury woes do not end with Dellandrea. The Sharks had already placed Klingberg and Mukhamadullin on the injured reserve earlier this week but expect both players to return soon. Meanwhile, Vincent Desharnais may be activated soon from his upper body injury, adding some hope to the Sharks’ defensive lineup.
In a surprising turn, the Sharks still managed a 5-2 victory against the Blue Jackets in front of 16,258 attendees at SAP Center, marking a boost in attendance for a Tuesday night game, typically known for empty seats. This win propels the Sharks into the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, just three points behind first place in the Pacific Division.
While Dellandrea’s status remains uncertain, Adam Gaudette could step into the third-line center spot if needed, as he expressed readiness to return after recovering from a lower body injury. The Sharks are still missing forwards Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev, both expected back in the coming weeks.
In brighter news, rookie Zack Ostapchuk shone brightly in the game, scoring a pivotal goal and solidifying his role as a fourth-line center. His speed and skill were evident as he converted a breakaway to extend the Sharks’ lead late in the game. Teammate Ryan Reaves praised Ostapchuk, calling him “the fastest man in the world,” highlighting the impact he is having on the team.
In a notable moment, Reaves also engaged in a fight with Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier, resulting in a rare knockdown for the veteran fighter. Reaves, now in his 16th NHL season, reflected on the intensity of the match, emphasizing the need to rally for his teammates amidst the injury challenges.
As the Sharks prepare for their next game, fans remain hopeful for Dellandrea’s quick recovery and the return of their other injured players. The urgency is palpable as the Sharks aim to maintain their competitive edge in the playoff race.
Stay tuned for updates on Dellandrea’s status and further developments as the Sharks face the Kings tomorrow night. The team is eager to capitalize on their recent success and the energy returning to the SAP Center crowd.
