Another Injury For Sharks Winger; Might've Played Last Game In Teal

San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn said that winger Alexander Barabanov is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn said that winger Alexander Barabanov is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Barabanov's contract season has been turned upside down due to injuries this season. Quinn didn't rule out a possible return for Barabanov this season but didn't give a definitive timeline.

Barabanov has played 46 games this season and has four goals and nine assists, compared to the 15 goals and 32 assists he had in 68 games last season.

"Injuries, I really think, played a major role in [his struggles], and then all of a sudden, the season starts getting away from you. When you get back in the lineup, you probably get away from doing the things you need to do," Quinn said this morning. "I really felt like he was playing his best hockey before he just got hurt. So, as far as the rest of the season, hopefully, he can get better this week. When we say week to week, hopefully, it's just this week, not the following."

In the two games before the game where he got injured, Barabanov played 15:30 and 16:30. He had been playing in a second-line role with Luke Kunin and Filip Zadina. Eventually, against the Dallas Stars, Quinn moved William Eklund back to the second line and opted to keep Barabanov there due to the strong play he talked about.

"I've actually liked this game a lot in the last three games, [which is] evident from the ice time he had," Quinn said after the Dallas game. I thought Barbie was having another good night, and unfortunately, he got hurt."

Barabanov was the subject of trade rumors at the deadline. A report said a deal to send him to the New York Rangers fell through due to the Tomas Hertl trade. 

Barabanov was scratched once this season for trade-related reasons, and when reporters asked him if he missed winning, there was a reaction that all hockey players would have.

"Oh my god, so much, so much," Barabanov said. "When I was 25, we won every year, the KHL [Gagarin] Cup—big games. World Championships, we didn't win, but we have medals. I miss the playoffs and everything. It's why I play hockey."

While Barabanov HASN'T been ruled out for the remainder of the season, there is little time for him to return. He was seen with a walking boot on his foot after the game on Tuesday. Quinn said he blocked a shot, causing the injury. The Sharks and David Quinn will update the media when they become available.

Barabanov will be a UFA after the season. The Sharks' last regular season game is on April 18th.

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Ozzy Wiesblatt Scores First Goal For New Team

'He Had A Job To Do & Did it': ESPN's Greg Wyshynski Says Mike Grier Deserves NHL GM Of The Year Recognition

Simulating The NHL Draft Lottery 10 Times: Sharks Bad Luck Continues, But One Simulation Shows A Dream Scenario

Possible NHL Draft Lottery Dates Have Been Reported

Kevin Labanc Doesn't Know When He'll Play His Next Game; Writing On The Wall With Sharks

'I Think It's Helped Me Be More Engaged': Calen Addison Talks Improvement Of His Game; Found A Best Friend In Justin Bailey