Nikolai Knyzhov News

Knyzhov has been a healthy scratch for the Sharks' last three games but will draw back into the lineup Wednesday vs. Seattle. The 25-year-old undrafted defenseman has yet to score this season but has an assist, six SOG, six PIMs and a -5 plus/minus through nine games played.

Knyzhov was a healthy scratch for the Sharks' season-opening loss to the Golden Knights but he will replace Henry Thrun in the lineup vs. Colorado. Knyzhov had one goal and no assists in 12 games with the Sharks last season.

Knyzhov appeared in 56 games with the Sharks a season ago but has missed most of this season, appearing in just 12 AHL games total. With Radim Simek out with an undisclosed injury, Knyzhov could make his season debut Monday in Winnipeg.

The 24-year-old defenseman had not played competitive hockey since May 2021 due to an Achilles injury and was activated from the injured reserve and assigned to the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) after a long-term injury conditioning loan. The young defenseman had previously played in 59 NHL games, with two goals and 10 points.

Knyshov has not play in 2021-22 after undergoing surgery in October and picking up an infection from that surgery. He was ruled out for the rest of the year but still signed an extension and is expected to be ready for 2022-23 training camp.

The Sharks are hopeful that Knyzhov will be able to start skating on his own by the end of the week. Knyzhov isn't expected to be available for the preseason, putting his status for the Sharks' season opener in doubt. With Knyzhov likely out, Santeri Hatakka or Jacob Middleton could make the team out of training camp.

Knyzhov is in his first year in North America and he has picked up five points (1G / 4A) in 33 games on the Barracuda blueline. He could make his NHL debut on Saturday with Jacob Middleton out and the Sharks with no concrete No.6 defenseman.