Sharks Pavelski out with leg injury

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski had minor surgery on his left leg today as a result of a shot block in the first period of last Saturday's game. He is expected to miss at least two weeks, but as they don't appear to have immediately put him on LTIR (long term injured reserve), they are probably expecting him to be back before 10 games. However, I think they can still put him on that list later if they determine he won't be ready before the minimum time for being placed on LTIR.

In another move, the Sharks sent Joe Callahan to Worchester. (Sharks web story) This should give Callahan some playing time, but does leave the Sharks roster awfully thin. With Pavelski, it is at 21 players, with no one to scratch besides the injured Pavelski. I expect that one, maybe two players will be called up before the game against LA. They may be waiting until tomorrow to manage their total salary for the cap.

Prior to training camp, with something like this happening, the plan may have been to bring up Logan Couture to fill in. This would have even been good for him, as he would have had a chance to play his natural center position. Then, there was training camp, and Benn Ferriero grabbed a roster spot. He has earned his spot in the lineup, so Patrick Marleau will be sliding back to his old position of center. His wings will be Ryane Clowe and Ferriero.

The new second line still looks good, and now Brad Staubitz will get his first game of the season in. The Sharks should be okay for the short term, and they get a chance to get some of the younger players into some NHL games. The important thing is getting it (whatever the injury to Pavelski is) treated right. We want him healthy for the playoffs. Before that, it would be nice if he was healthy for consideration by USA Hockey for the Olympics.