Tyler Toffoli won’t play in the next San Jose Sharks game after he suffered a lower-body injury against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.
Toffoli left the game after the first period and did not return after being ruled as doubtful by the Sharks. The San Jose Sharks alternate captain played just five shifts in the game, totaling 3:41 of ice time.
“No, he won’t play tomorrow,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “He’s still getting evaluated. I’ll probably have a better update tomorrow.”
Tyler Toffoli won’t play tomorrow. Still being evaluated for timeline #SJSharks
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) March 20, 2026
Although Toffoli’s offensive output isn’t as high this season, his veteran leadership at this time of the year is a big loss for the Sharks. Toffoli has been through many Stanley Cup Playoff pushes and knows exactly what it takes not only to get into the dance but also to win the Stanley Cup.
Many San Jose Sharks players are going through a playoff push for the first time in their careers. Pressure is high every day for players, and Toffoli’s knowledge can help them navigate it.
“Veteran guy, right? He’s been around a long time, seen a lot of playoff hockey and these kinds of moments, and [he] can really help your group move forward,” Warsofsky said. “We’re going to miss him for a little bit here, but I think we have some guys that can fill in and help out, and he’ll still be around.”
Philipp Kurashev will re-enter the Sharks lineup in place of Toffoli. During Friday’s practice, Kurashev skated on the top line with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
“We’ve got to get Chevy going,” Warsofsky said. “Give him a clean slate, get him up there with Mack.”
Kurashev has played with Celebrini and Smith before this season. Although the Sharks had mixed results analytically, they had 37 chances for and against while that line was on the ice together.
Vincent Desharnais will be a game-time decision for the Sharks as he missed Friday’s practice due to an upper-body injury.