Sharks Shake Up Lineup: Leddy Returns, Mukhamadullin Sits Against Oilers
In a surprising move, the San Jose Sharks will ice a different look tonight against the Edmonton Oilers. Veteran defenseman Nick Leddy will enter the lineup in place of Shakir Mukhamadullin, despite having played only one game with the Barracuda since January 16th. The decision, made by head coach Ryan Warsofsky, remains largely unexplained.
Playoff Push and Veteran Presence
With the Sharks battling for playoff positioning, the coaching staff appears to be leaning on experience. Leddy brings a wealth of NHL games – 1,061 regular season appearances – and a Stanley Cup championship to the ice. “If you’re going to parachute anybody into a playoff race, a veteran like Leddy… is the guy,” the article notes.
Leddy’s Focus: Speed and Simplicity
Acknowledging the challenge of re-entering the lineup after a period of limited play, Leddy emphasized the need to quickly adjust to the game’s pace. “Everything happens quick. So just, I think, getting up to speed, making the simple plays right away, getting my feet under me, and using the assets I do have, which is my feet and skating,” Leddy stated.
Facing McDavid and Addressing Breakout Issues
The Sharks will have their hands full containing Oilers superstar Connor McDavid. Leddy compared the task to shutting down rising star Macklin Celebrini, stating the key is to “grab away his time and space as best as possible.”
Coach Warsofsky pinpointed issues with the team’s breakouts as a key factor in Sunday’s 7-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators. “Our breakouts were probably the worst we’ve had in a long time… just a feel of when to create a play, when not to make a play, was our biggest issue.” This likely contributed to the lineup change.
Sharks Lineup and Goaltending
Alex Nedeljkovic will start in net for the Sharks. The forward lines and defensive pairings for tonight’s game are as follows:
- Forwards: Graf-Celebrini-Smith, Regenda-Wennberg-Sherwood, Eklund-Misa-Toffoli, Goodrow-Ostapchuk-Gaudette
- Defense: Orlov-Klingberg, Ferraro-Leddy, Dickinson-Desharnais
Alex Wennberg is a game-time decision after missing the previous game.
Oilers Face Injury Concerns
The Oilers will be without Leon Draisaitl for the remainder of the regular season. Stuart Skinner will start in net for Edmonton.
Game Details
Puck drop is scheduled for 6 PM PT at Rogers Place. Fans can watch the game live on NBC Sports California and listen on the Sharks Audio Network.
Did you know?
Nick Leddy was originally claimed off waivers by the San Jose Sharks from the St. Louis Blues on July 3, 2025.
FAQ
- Why was Leddy chosen to play over Mukhamadullin?
- What is the status of Yaroslav Askarov and Igor Chernyshov?
- Who will start in net for the Sharks?
Coach Warsofsky did not comment on the decision, but it likely stems from a desire for veteran experience during a crucial playoff push and concerns about recent breakout performance.
Both players will be re-evaluated back in San Jose. Askarov’s injury is considered day-to-day.
Alex Nedeljkovic will start in net for the San Jose Sharks.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Sharks’ power play units tonight. PP1 features Orlov, Celebrini, Smith, Toffoli, and Wennberg, while PP2 includes Klingberg, Eklund, Misa, Sherwood, and Regenda.
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