Buckle up, Sharks fans – it seems like Collin Graf and John Klingberg are on the verge of some exciting lineup shake-ups that could redefine the team's strategy against the Carolina Hurricanes!
But here's where it gets intriguing: based on the morning skate in Dallas, head coach Ryan Warsofsky hinted at potential promotions, though he made it clear these groupings aren't etched in stone yet. For those new to hockey, a 'skate' or practice is where teams test out line combinations, much like a dress rehearsal before the big game. It's a chance to experiment with pairings that could boost chemistry on the ice.
Let's break down the 5-on-5 lines from today's session to see what might be in store:
- Graf-Celebrini-Smith
- Eklund-Wennberg-Toffoli
- Skinner-Dellandrea-Kurashev
- Goodrow-Ostapchuk-Gaudette
- Reaves
On defense, the pairings looked like this:
- Orlov-Liljegren
- Ferraro-Klingberg
- Dickinson-Leddy
- Mukhamadullin-Iorio
From these formations, it appears Ryan Reaves, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Vincent Iorio might sit out again versus the Hurricanes. For beginners, a 'scratch' simply means a player is benched for that game, often due to performance, injury, or strategic decisions – it's not always a sign of trouble, but can stir up debates among fans.
SJSharks practicing this morning in Dallas, flying to Raleigh this afternoon pic.twitter.com/ObBH3R98Sk — Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 6, 2025
The Sharks won't have a morning skate before Sunday's 2 PM PT matchup with the Hurricanes, so Warsofsky will likely unveil more lineup details about two-and-a-half hours prior to puck drop.
Graf's shift to the top line doesn't come as a shock, especially after Warsofsky praised the young winger following Friday's 4-1 defeat to the Dallas Stars, dubbing him the team's standout performer. 'He's been delivering solid play and stringing together strong outings,' Warsofsky noted. 'We need someone to help us secure more puck battles so we can maintain possession in the offensive zone. In the Dallas game, we struggled to win those battles even when we had favorable matchups.' For those unfamiliar with hockey lingo, winning 'pucks' refers to gaining control of the puck in scrambles or face-offs, a fundamental skill that can turn the tide of a game.
And this is the part most people miss: Warsofsky revealed yesterday that Reaves, who was scratched against the Stars, is dealing with a minor day-to-day lower-body issue. The tough forward has been managing this for about a month, but he could suit up against the Canes if needed.
As for Mukhamadullin, Warsofsky spoke candidly about the young defenseman's growth, with more on that story coming soon from SJHN. He emphasized that there's a deliberate plan behind the recent scratches, aiming to foster development – a patient approach that might pay off long-term, but could frustrate impatient fans.
Now, onto the often-criticized Klingberg. The power play units looked like this (remember, these could change):
- PP1: Klingberg-Eklund-Celebrini-Toffoli-Wennberg
- PP2: Orlov-Smith-Kurashev-Skinner-Graf
These setups show significant shifts, with Klingberg elevated to the first unit, Will Smith dropping to the second, and Graf climbing up too. Warsofsky openly discussed his expectations for Klingberg on the power play, acknowledging the 33-year-old isn't the same player he once was. So, why keep pushing him into the spotlight?
That discussion will hit SJHN later today. But here's where it gets controversial: Is sticking with a veteran like Klingberg, despite his decline, a smart veteran gamble or a stubborn mistake? Some might argue it's a nod to his past brilliance and potential wisdom, while others could see it as holding back younger talent. What do you think – should coaches prioritize experience or fresh energy? Share your take in the comments; I'd love to hear if you're for or against this move!
