A day after All-Star defenseman Erik Karlsson was a late scratch against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Sharks placed another important defender on injured reserve.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic headed to the IR, and the Sharks recalled defenseman Jacob Middleton to take Vlasic's place on the active roster. Vlasic practiced with the team on Friday, but now will not play in San Jose's final two games before the All-Star break.
Yet Middleton's presence indicates Karlsson might not be good to go, either. The Sharks have carried eight defenseman on their roster all season, and Middleton's recall gives San Jose two healthy defenseman who can take Karlsson's place in the lineup.