With the San Jose Sharks moving Timothy Liljegren to the Washington Capitals, that leaves the NHL roster with six defensemen.

Liljegren was scheduled to be a healthy scratch for the fourth consecutive game. Sharks GM Mike Grier didn’t appear to have an immediate replacement for the blue line. Stating that the team will likely wait to recall anyone before tomorrow’s game against the New York Islanders.

The Sharks GM was asked about potentially calling up veteran Nick Leddy or even prospects like Luca Cagnoni or Nolan Allan.

“We’re looking at it. If we get through tonight allright, and we get through Saturday okay, then we’ll definitely have to make a decision,” Grier said. “Whether that’s Leds or one of the younger guys coming up to meet the team in Buffalo.”

Leddy hasn’t played a game for the San Jose Barracuda since he cleared waivers on Jan. 19 and was sent down.

“He’s been a good pro. [For] someone who’s been in the league as long as he has, I know it wasn’t easy for him to have to go on waivers and get sent down. But he’s practiced hard. He’s been good in the weight room and been good with the group over there, just, you know, hasn’t felt comfortable playing down there yet,” Grier said. “He’s kept an open mind to all possibilities. I’m sure he was hoping to maybe get moved somewhere and get an opportunity. The way it’s shaken out, there’s a chance he can work his way back up here and possibly help us out.”

Shakir Mukhamadullin has put together a good stretch of games since returning to the San Jose Sharks lineup against the Edmonton Oilers. If that continues, the Sharks may be hesitant to take him out of the lineup, regardless of who comes up. If Mukhamadullin plays the rest of the season, the recall could be merely for depth. \

The case for Cagnoni or Allan

If it is for depth only, calling up a prospect like Cagnoni might not be the smartest. If he comes up to the NHL, he needs to play, even if it is a limited role. Grier did confirm that “as far as prospects go,” Cagnoni and Allan are the most likely to be called up.

Grier spoke on Cagnoni’s development this season, stating that the 21-year-old set expectations for himself that might’ve been too high after a strong rookie season.

“Cag’s season has been pretty good. I think he set the expectations probably too high from how he did last year. But he’s been good,” Grier explained. “He’s taking steps in his defending, and his rush reads and things like that. Some of the stuff the coaches have asked him to focus on. He’s improving, and he’s growing as a player, and he’s still really good on the power play and distributing pucks and things like that.”

Cagnoni has not had the same offensive impact as last season but has remained productive. In 50 games, the San Jose Sharks prospect has 32 points (6 goals, 26 assists). The knock on Cagnoni has always been his size. The defenseman is listed at 5’9, 180lbs. Grier also mentioned that, given his offensive ability, opponents have a bigger target on his back.

“He also has a target on his back, so he’s learning to deal with that. He gets run, or guys try to run him and be hard on him physically. So it’s all part of his growth, but he’s handled it well,” Grier said. “He’s a tough kid, so it’s been a good season for him. I think he might say he wants a little bit more production, but I think he’s doing what we’re asking of him.”

As for Allan, the defenseman was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks and has become a solid player for the Barracuda. In 19 games with the Cuda, Allan has two goals and six assists. The 22-year-old has become a strong defender for John McCarthy’s group.

“As for Nolan, he’s been real solid for us. I think once he got used to the new D zone system and how we play in the D zone, he’s been good,” Grier said. “I think his skating and his physicality is something that we don’t have a lot of in our group down there. Real good guy. Sticks up for his teammates. He’s made a good impression with us. And his first-pass ability and puck-moving are probably even a little bit better than we maybe initially gave him credit for.”

Grier finished by believing that no matter what, Allan or Cagnoni will get an opportunity to be with the San Jose Sharks before the end of the season.