Blackhawks vs Sharks hit with game-altering injury news to top line player moments before puck drop Thursday

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Sam Walker
October 17, 2024 (7:57 PM)

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Game-changing lineup news for Chicago Blackhawks vs San Jose Sharks game

A last second injury could very well change the outcome of the San Jose Sharks vs. Chicago Blackhawks game tonight on Thursday, October 17th.

For the already aware, first overall pick Macklin Celebrini is injured and out as he is on the injury reserve- losing a top line center, but that's not all for the Sharks.

William Eklund, who has served as the Sharks' top line winger in recent game of this season, is now deemed a 'game-time decision' as the San Jose Sharks travel to Chicago Thursday, for the Blackhawks first home game of the season.

According to San Jose Sharks beat reporter Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now, Eklund is battling an upper-body injury, and it could sideline him against the Blackhawks, putting favors into the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks by a wide margin- as he is there top line winger.

Eklund did not skate in practice, Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky replaced Eklund's spot in the lineup with Danil Gushchin, now on the top line.

Gushchin played in the Sharks' opening night lineup, but has served as a healthy scratch since (two total games healthy scratched).

"San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky shared that Eklund has a "little nagging" upper-body injury and is "probably a game-time decision" for Thursday's tilt against the Chicago Blackhawks,"

Sheng Peng stated.

With the Sharks already without their 2024-first overall pick Macklin Celebrini, and now William Eklund, they are already more outnumbered than they already were against the Blackhawks and their depth-loaded team headlined by Connor Bedard, Tyler Bertuzzi, Taylor Hall and Seth Jones, who has surprisingly been off to a hot start.

Celebrini did not travel to Dallas and Chicago, he is only eligible to be activated when the Sharks head to Winnipeg on Friday, October 18th, for their back-to-back game. The Sharks' head coach, Warsofsky, did not rule out Celebrini for that game (vs. Jets).

For the latest news surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks and the NHL, view Hawksinsider.com