The Sharks will be without a key defenseman when they take on the best team in the NHL Saturday night.
Ahead of San Jose’s matchup vs. the high-powered Tampa Bay Lightning, Sharks defenseman Justin Braun was placed on injured reserve with a right knee injury. Braun initially hurt his knee during Wednesday’s 5-4 win over the Avalanche.
On the season, Braun has notched nine points (one goal, eight assists) and a -7 rating in 42 games. He’ll be eligible to return to the Sharks in seven days.
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To take Braun’s spot on the roster, the Sharks recalled 23-year-old defensemen Jacob Middleton from the AHL Barracuda.
Middleton appeared in 26 games for the Barracuda, accumulating 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) and a +15 rating. Middleton led the Barracuda defensemen in plus/minus and was named to the AHL All-Star team.