CALGARY — Vincent Desharnais has earned his spot with the San Jose Sharks.
One of nine defensemen currently on the Sharks’ roster, the veteran blueliner has suited up for the last six games. It’s no coincidence that the penalty kill has improved since then, killing 20-of-21 power plays in that period of time, going from the 30th-ranked PK in the NHL (63.9 percent), to 24th in the league (75.4).
Desharnais is in the line-up again tonight, against the Calgary Flames, in favor of Shakir Mukhamadullin, Nick Leddy, and Vincent Iorio, who’s with the San Jose Barracuda on a conditioning assignment.
“We talked about earning roles on this team in training camp. And he’s earned a role,” San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “He’s been really good in our penalty kill. His puck play has much improved from last year. He’s defending with a purpose, engagement. He’s done a really good job. Deserves to be in there.”
The Sharks acquired the 29-year-old defenseman from the Pittsburgh Penguins last Trade Deadline, for a fifth-round pick, and he’s also provided critical mentorship for 19-year-old Sam Dickinson. Desharnais and Dickinson are frequently seen chatting in the San Jose locker room after practice.
As for sitting 23-year-old Mukhamadullin, Warsofsky didn’t have much to say about that today, preferring to keep that conversation private, “We have a lot of defense.”
Meanwhile, veteran Nick Leddy, activated before the road trip, is waiting in the wings.
“We’ve been winning here, as of late,” Warsofsky said. “You don’t love changing the line-up a lot.”
San Jose Sharks (8-6-3)
Timothy Liljegren is back in the line-up, while newly-recalled Jakub Skarek will back up Yaroslav Askarov.
Toffoli-Celebrini-Smith
Kurashev-Wennberg-Eklund
Graf-Dellandrea-Skinner
Goodrow-Gaudette-Reaves
Ferraro-Klingberg
Orlov-Liljegren
Dickinson-Desharnais
Askarov
Skarek is coming in relief for Alex Nedeljkovic, who has left the team to deal with a personal matter. How long with Nedeljkovic be gone?
“We’re not sure yet,” Warsofsky said. “We’ll know by hopefully tomorrow.”
The power play units looked the same as last game:
PP1: Klingberg-Celebrini-Smith-Eklund-Toffoli
PP2: Orlov-Kurashev-Wennberg-Skinner-Gaudette
Calgary Flames (4-12-2)
Gilroy native Dustin Wolf will get the start for the Flames.
#Flames Projected lineup vs 🦈
Farabee-Kadri-Kerins
Huberdeau-Frost-Coronato
Honzek-Backlund-Coleman
Lomberg-Zary-Klapka
Kuznetsov-Weegar
Andersson-Bahl
Pachal-Bean
Wolf
— Salim Nadim Valji (@salimvalji) November 13, 2025
Wolf discussed the biggest challenge in facing Macklin Celebrini:
Video coming soon…
Where To Watch
Puck drop between the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames is at 6 PM PT at Scotiabank Saddledome. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.