65 Erik Karlsson D

Sharks' Erik Karlsson: Out another two games

Karlsson traveling with the team is a step in the right direction. Even in a limited capacity, the blueliner's inclusion on the ice should be taken as a good sign he is nearing a return. The Swede has already missed nine games due to his groin issue, yet is more focused on being ready for the postseason with the club's spot in the playoffs all but locked up.

Sharks' Erik Karlsson: Absence continues

Karlsson has missed the last eight games due to the injury, and the injury is serious enough to force him to miss the next three games. The Sharks continue to be without one the game's best offensive defensman, with Karlsson sitting at 45 points this campaign. The Swede's status is gloomy at best and it's possible he could miss the rest of the regular season.

Sharks' Erik Karlsson: Not close to return

Karlsson's status has gotten gloomier by the day. Just Tuesday, he was only ruled out for the next two games, but it appears he's headed for an extended absence that could last as far as the remainder of the regular season. The Sharks lose out on some offensive potency from the blue line down the stretch without the star defenseman, who has tallied three goals and 42 assists through 52 contests. Karlsson can be dropped in extremely shallow leagues, though he could still be worth a bench stash in select others to see whether a late-season return is in the cards.

Sharks' Erik Karlsson: Set to miss two more games

At this point, the Sharks have little incentive to rush Karlsson back into the lineup and are probably better suited to let him get back to 100 percent. The world-class defender has already missed 12 of the team's previous 17 contests due to injury. As a result, the Swede figures to miss the 60-point mark for the first time since the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign.

Sharks' Erik Karlsson: Appears to leave for good

In the second period, Karlsson went down in major pain with an apparent groin injury and went straight the the locker room. After missing a few shifts there, he returned to the ice but was clearly still in pain. Now it appears the team will hold him out for the rest of the game so the full extent of his injury can be evaluated.