DENVER \u2014 Sam Dickinson has played some promising hockey recently, but he\u2019s still got a little ways to go before becoming an everyday NHL defenseman.<\/p>\n
That was basically the message from San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky, on why he\u2019s sitting the 19-year-old rookie blueliner on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the game has sped up on him at times. He\u2019s played some really good hockey, and we\u2019re seeing a lot of potential out of him, but this gives him a little bit more of a break mentally,\u201d Warsofsky said. \u201cJust more of a reset. This was not a punishment, by any sense. It\u2019s just more of part of the plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Game recognize game, right?<\/p>\n
Dickinson has played some quality hockey since his last scratch on Dec. 20, notching six assists in 19 appearances, but it\u2019s still averaging 17:12 a night, bottom-pairing minutes. There are still notable things to iron out in his game, things to improve before he becomes the top-four rearguard that he\u2019s projected to be.<\/p>\n
That said, Dickinson has made real progress as a player this season and might be earning a larger role after the Olympic break.<\/p>\n
Could Dickinson start to earn some regular power play time?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s something we thought about,\u201d Warsofsky smiled, asking if San Jose Hockey Now had a crystal ball. \u201cIt\u2019s something that we may, after the break, may incorporate.\u201d<\/p>\n
San Jose Sharks (27-23-4)<\/p>\n
Yaroslav Askarov will start<\/p>\n
Kiefer Sherwood will make his Sharks\u2019 debut.<\/p>\n
These are how lines should look tonight:<\/p>\n
Sherwood-Celebrini-Smith
Eklund-Misa-Toffoli
Kurashev-Wennberg-Graf
Goodrow-Ostapchuk-Gaudette<\/p>\n
Orlov-Klingberg
Ferraro-Liljegren
Mukhamadullin-Desharnais<\/p>\n
Askarov<\/p>\n
Reaves’s upper-body injury is considered more day-to-day, so he’s expected to be ready to go when the Sharks start play again in late February.<\/p>\n
Warsofsky says they’ll have more of an update on Dellandrea after the break. “Too soon to say” if he’ll be immediately available<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Colorado Avalanche (36-9-9)<\/p>\n Mackenzie Blackwood will start.<\/p>\n