UPDATE: The San Jose Sharks are grappling with a significant injury crisis following a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at SAP Center on January 7, 2026. Center Ty Dellandrea exited the game with an undisclosed injury, raising alarms about the Sharks’ dwindling roster depth as they fight for a playoff spot in the tightly contested Western Conference.
Dellandrea, who has been pivotal for the Sharks this season, left the ice with 4:45 remaining in the second period after a hard crash into the goalpost. He was assisted off the ice and did not return. Coach Ryan Warsofsky had no immediate update post-game, and the Sharks are set to travel to Los Angeles for their next matchup against the Kings. The absence of Dellandrea, a key player in penalty killing and faceoffs, could be a significant blow to the team’s playoff ambitions.
In addition to Dellandrea, the Sharks are already missing defensemen John Klingberg and Shakir Mukhamadullin, both placed on injured reserve earlier this week. However, neither is expected to be sidelined long-term. Should Dellandrea be unable to play against the Kings, Adam Gaudette could step into the third-line center role, pending his recovery from a previous lower-body injury.
Winger Ryan Reaves expressed optimism for Dellandrea, stating, “He’s been great… I hope it’s not long term.” He emphasized the importance of rallying for Dellandrea as the team prepares for their upcoming challenges.
Despite the injury woes, the Sharks have shown resilience, winning four of their last five games and currently holding the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, just three points behind the Pacific Division leaders.
In a standout moment, rookie Zack Ostapchuk shone brightly in the game, scoring his second goal as a Shark, which extended their lead to 3-1 late in the third period. His speed and tenacity on the ice have made a compelling case for his continued presence on the roster, especially with injuries affecting other key players.
The atmosphere at SAP Center was electric, with 16,258 fans in attendance, marking a significant uptick in crowd engagement compared to past Tuesday games. The Sharks have averaged 15,497 tickets distributed per game this season, a noticeable improvement from the 14,219 average from last season.
Looking ahead, the Sharks must navigate an increasingly precarious situation with their roster, focusing on maintaining momentum in the playoff race. Fans will be eager for updates on Dellandrea’s condition as the team prepares to face the Kings in Los Angeles.
Stay tuned for further developments as the Sharks work to solidify their playoff position while managing their injury-stricken roster.
