San Jose Sharks veteran defenseman Jan Rutta will return to the lineup against the Edmonton Oilers after missing the past 27 games with a lower-body injury.
Doubt was cast following the Four Nations break on if Rutta would ever return this season. In 51 games this season, the pending UFA has two goals and six assists. He’s been a solid veteran presence on the back end and is only -6.
Jan Rutta will play tonight for the Sharks. D-pairs still TBD. https://t.co/rSUo5C5AXM— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) April 11, 2025
“It’s important to get a guy who has a lot of experience. We’re a little inexperienced back there,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said on Thursday. “We’re going through this injury bug right now. That’s unfortunate, but getting Rutta back would really help our group.”
It is unclear who the 34-year-old will partner with. Henry Thrun, due to his familiarity and handiness, could be the first option. Thrun has had some of the best career success with Rutta as his partner.
More details on Mario Ferraro’s injury unveiled
First reported by SJHN, San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro is expected to recover by the start of the 2025 training camp.
“We talked this morning. He’s frustrated. He wanted to play in every single game this year,” Warsofsky said.
Daily Faceoff’s Jason Gregor reported that Ferraro broke his ankle with the Sharks on the road to face the Edmonton Oilers.
Mario Ferraro's season is over due to a broken ankle. Jan Rutta is healthy and will draw back in for San Jose.— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) April 11, 2025
The Sharks’ alternate captain will be an unrestricted free agent after next season. It is unclear whether Ferraro will need surgery to recover fully.
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