The San Jose Sharks’ organizational depth is being tested with injuries this season.
Ethan Cardwell, Zack Ostapchuk, and even Jakub Skarek (who didn’t play a game but got a recall) have shown the established NHLers that there are hungry players waiting to take spots.
In the case of Ostapchuk, the centerman has stepped in and filled the 4th-line center role nicely. Playing with Ryan Reaves and Barclay Goodrow, the line has started to find an identity.
A physical line that can skate and defend when needed. Ostapchuk tells SHD he’s enjoyed playing with the veteran Sharks forwards.
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“They’re fun to play with. Just coming back to the bench and talking with them. Obviously, two very knowledgeable guys, and that helps me out a lot,” Ostapchuk said. “They tell me where to be. It’s pretty easy playing with them. I know where they’re going to be. It’s easy to read off them. I like what we have going.”
Taking a moment to recognize that with Zack Ostapchuk centering the fourth line, it’s been the Sharks’ best line at 5-on-5 through a majority of this game. pic.twitter.com/Lv806i223q— Fear the Fin (@fearthefin) November 19, 2025
In just five games, Ostapchuk has registered 11 hits. Reaves leads the San Jose Sharks with 69 hits, and Goodrow is 4th with 34.
Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky has been happy with Ostapchuk’s play, but feels there’s an even higher level he can reach.
“He’s been playing towards his identity. He’s been physical and been getting on pucks. Good defensively,” Warsofsky said. “There’s still another layer we’ve got to get consistency-wise with puck play and reading the game when the game speeds up for him. But he’s done a really good job.”
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Ostapchuk agrees with the San Jose Sharks bench boss and knows he can provide even more than just being physical.
“Anytime a coach shouts you out like that, it means a lot,” Ostapchuk said. I want to just keep earning his trust. I know I can do more than I have been even now. Continuing to build [and] earn his trust. I want to be a guy who can go out there in any situation against anyone.”
Photo credit: Dean Tait – Sport Shots
Jeff Skinner and Michael Misa are skating as they get closer to a return from an injury. Once one of them returns, Ostapchuk could be the man to go back to the San Jose Barracuda due to being ineligible for waivers.
“It makes you come to the rink hungry every day. You know someone’s chasing you. You know you’re chasing someone,” Ostapchuk said.
“I think it’s good where we’re at right now. I think we have a lot of guys on the ‘CUDA ‘Cuda that can come up and make a difference right away. Down at the ‘Cuda, we’re all playing hard, trying to get that call up. I was fortunate enough to get it, so I want to try and stay up here as long as I can.”
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Ostapchuk and his line will need to be at the top of their game against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. The speed the Sharks will face can only be slowed by smart, physical play, and the 4th line will be the trio to do that most.
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