Lucas Carlsson will make his San Jose Sharks debut against the Boston Bruins on Saturday.
The defenseman hasn’t played an NHL game since Nov. 1, 2022, for the Florida Panthers against the Arizona Coyotes. He signed a two-year deal with the Sharks last summer and debuted in November due to recovery from a torn right ACL.
“It’s tough. It’s one of the worst injuries you can have. The summer was tough, just rehabbing. In camp, trying to get back to where I was and then start playing again,” Carlsson said on Friday. “It’s been a tough time, but I’m just happy to be back.”
In 44 games this season for the San Jose Barracuda, Carlsson has 10 goals and 13 assists. He’s also been an alternate captain. Carlsson was on the ‘Cuda roster at the NHL trade deadline, so he is eligible to play in the AHL playoffs.
“We have a good feeling in the locker room. Being an older guy, I just try to help the younger guys out, but we have a great group,” Carlsson said. “My expectations are to have a deep playoff run.”
The Mental Challenges Of Recovery
Carlsson didn’t know the San Joe Sharks would sign him this summer, and he was worried he wouldn’t have a chance to play in the NHL again.
“That was pretty much the first thing I thought of. What am I going to do now,” Carlsson said. “It’s a serious injury. I was just happy a couple of teams called.”
Carlsson also got stability in his deal with San Jose, as adding a second year to the contract was crucial for the Sharks.
“It is hard to find puck-moving defensemen, so when you get one, you usually try to keep them,” San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “Coming off the injury, we knew he was going to have a slower start, as far as hitting up to speed, missing training camp. Now he will have a full off-season to really work. Usually, you see that right with the ACLs. It takes them a long time to wait for their stride back.”
Carlsson has 60 NHL games between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers. In his career, he has three goals and eight assists. He will be paired on defense with Timothy Liljegren.
“Trying to make a little bit of difference, I hope,” Carlsson said about his goals for Saturday’s game. “Bring my game and try to create some offense and be good defensively. I’m very excited.”
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