Granlund Should Avoid Surgery, Has Week-to-Week Injury

It’s good news, bad news for Mikael Granlund.

Going back to Granlund’s injury last night, it’s worrisome when a coach knows right after a game that an injured player is going to be out for a while.

That’s what David Quinn shared about the centerman’s third period exit in the San Jose Sharks’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, after a hard hit from Mackenzie Entwistle.

“Not sure yet what the prognosis will be,” Quinn said, “but might be out a little bit.”

San Jose Hockey Now is hearing that Quinn’s fears are well-founded. Granlund’s upper-body injury looks like a week-to-week absence.

It may not be the worst-case scenario though: The belief, at this time, is that Granlund should avoid surgery.

The Sharks, who did not practice today, will practice tomorrow. We’ll see if Quinn will furnish more details then about the nature and extent of Granlund’s injury.

A Granlund injury is a huge blow for a last-place San Jose Sharks squad that has already been beset by injuries to significant players.

This is especially true up the middle, Granlund’s position: Star center Logan Couture has missed the entire season with a lower-body injury, while defensive stalwart Nico Sturm has sat out 19 games and counting.

Couture and Sturm are projected to return soon. But instead of an enviable Tomas Hertl, Granlund, Couture, and Sturm quartet at center, San Jose is going to be missing one of its best players for a while.

Since Nov. 25, Granlund leads the Sharks with 25 points in 25 games. He’s been a reliable source of production for the worst offense in the NHL and has been leaned on defensively too, leading San Jose forwards in short-handed ATOI.

One date to keep in mind, if and when Granlund returns this season?

The Trade Deadline is Mar. 8, and the 31-year-old center, one year left on his contract after this season at $5 million AAV, could be an attractive acquisition for a contender.