Jake Walman's Return To The Sharks Lineup Is Close

San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman rejoined team activities for the first time on Tuesday.

Walman will miss his seventh straight game with a lower-body injury when the Sharks take on the Vegas Golden Knights tonight. The cause of the injury is still unknown, but it happened during the Sharks' 3-2 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 21.

Walman leads all San Jose Sharks defensemen in points with 25 (five goals, 20 assists) in 31 games. 

"It is a step in the right direction to join us in the morning skate," Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said.

Walman did not sit out any drills during the morning skate and skated on the extra pair of defense with Marc-Edouard Vlasic during line rushes.

On Friday, the Sharks will travel for a quick one-game road trip to face the Utah Hockey Club. Warsofsky did not rule out a potential return for Walman in that game. 

"[He could] potentially [play]. We'll have to get through practice tomorrow," Warsofsky said. 

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