The San Jose Sharks will be without Matt Irwin tonight when they play host to the Vancouver Canucks.
Irwin was injured during practice Friday and coach Todd McLellan is hoping its just a day-to-day situation with the defenseman.
“Until we get to tomorrow, we don’t know if that’s the time,” McLellan said per CSNBayArea.com.
The 27-year-old, who was frequently a healthy scratch during the first half of the season, had been playing some of his best hockey of the season prior to the injury. Irwin had at least a point in six of his last eight games, including a four-game streak.
“He’s been really good since he got back into the lineup,” McLellan said. “He worked so hard when he was out of the lineup to improve his footspeed and get quicker. Offensively, he’s contributing in a lot of areas.
“His confidence is at an all-time high. It’s unfortunate for him as an individual to not be able to continue on, but hopefully he’s very short tern and has the opportunity to get back in before he loses anything that he’s gained.”
Taylor Fedun, who was recalled Saturday, will not play against the Canucks. Scott Hannan is expected to take Irwin’s spot in the lineup. Hannan has been a healthy scratch the last two games.
Fedun had five goals and 24 assists to go along with a plus-1 rating in In 56 AHL games with the Worcester Sharks.
Saturday is the first recall of the season for the 26-year-old.