The San Jose Sharks announced that Nico Sturm will not be available for the next two games.

The San Jose Sharks announced that Nico Sturm will not be available for the next two games.

Per Sharks PR: "Nico Sturm will be taking a leave of absence from the team to attend to a personal family matter and will miss the two upcoming games on the road on Nov. 20 at Vancouver and Nov. 22 at Seattle. Out of respect to Nico's privacy, the organization will not have any further comment."

Sturm has two assists this season, but prior to last night, he was second in the NHL in faceoff percentage. 

While Sturm isn't the most offensive player, he is essential for the Sharks. Already down Logan Couture, the Sharks are without their best two penalty-killing forwards. 

The Sharks also announced they sent down forward Danil Guschin to the San Jose Barracuda this morning. 

The Barracuda play tonight and tomorrow night at Tech CU Arena. This move feels like one that isn't a demotion for Gushchin. Sharks head coach David Quinn most likely wants Gushchin to continue to play in games. 

With Sturm now missing the next two games, it wouldn't make sense for the Sharks to send a forward down. 

THN hopes everything is okay with Sturm and his family and looks forward to seeing him on the ice again when he returns. 

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

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