Are the San Jose Sharks about to shake up their lineup in a big way? It certainly looks that way, as Collin Graf and John Klingberg appear poised for significant promotions based on this morning’s practice lines in Dallas. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Graf’s rise to the top line seems well-deserved, Klingberg’s placement on the first power-play unit has raised eyebrows—and this is the part most people miss: head coach Ryan Warsofsky openly admits Klingberg isn’t the player he once was. So, why the push? Let’s dive in.
During today’s 5-on-5 practice, the Sharks lined up as follows:
Forward Lines:
Graf-Celebrini-Smith
Eklund-Wennberg-Toffoli
Skinner-Dellandrea-Kurashev
Goodrow-Ostapchuk-Gaudette
Reaves (extra)
Defensive Pairings:
Orlov-Liljegren
Ferraro-Klingberg
Dickinson-Leddy
Mukhamadullin-Iorio
These lines suggest Ryan Reaves, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Vincent Iorio will likely be scratched again when the Sharks face the Carolina Hurricanes. Warsofsky was quick to note that these groupings aren’t final, but they’ve already sparked plenty of discussion.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: the power-play units saw Klingberg slotted into PP1 alongside Eklund, Celebrini, Toffoli, and Wennberg. Meanwhile, Will Smith was bumped to the second unit, and Graf also earned a promotion. These moves are bold, to say the least, especially given Klingberg’s recent performance.
Graf’s elevation isn’t surprising. After the Sharks’ 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Friday, Warsofsky praised the young winger, calling him the team’s best player. “He’s played some good hockey, stacked some games together,” Warsofsky said. “We need someone to help win pucks in the offensive zone, and that’s been a glaring issue. If you look at the Dallas game, we didn’t win enough pucks, even when we had the numbers.”
As for Reaves, Warsofsky confirmed the physical winger is dealing with a day-to-day lower-body injury that’s been bothering him for about a month. While he’s available if needed, his absence from the lineup isn’t unexpected.
Mukhamadullin’s situation is more complex. Warsofsky hinted at a deliberate plan behind the young defenseman’s recent healthy scratches, though details remain under wraps for now. Is this the right approach for his development? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Now, back to Klingberg. Warsofsky didn’t sugarcoat his assessment: “He’s not the player he used to be.” So, why the insistence on keeping him in PP1? That’s a question that’s sure to spark debate, and Warsofsky promises more insight later today on SJHN. Do you agree with this decision, or is it time to give someone else a shot? Share your thoughts below.
The Sharks fly to Raleigh this afternoon and won’t hold a morning skate before Sunday’s 2 PM PT game against the Hurricanes. Expect Warsofsky to finalize the lineup about two-and-a-half hours before puck drop. Until then, these practice lines have given us plenty to chew on. What’s your take on these potential changes? Are they a step in the right direction, or a risky gamble?
