The San Jose Sharks sent Jack Studnicka to the AHL, opening a roster spot for a potential return for Logan Couture.

The San Jose Sharks sent Jack Studnicka to the AHL, opening a roster spot for a potential return for Logan Couture.

Studnicka hasn't recorded a point in the nine games since being acquired from the Vancouver Canucks. He has been playing in the bottom six forwards. He can continue developing in a top-six forward role with the San Jose Barracuda.

While Couture hasn't been added to the official roster, the fact that the Sharks sent down a centerman indicates that the spot is Couture's.

Nico Sturm, Givani Smith, and Jacob MacDonald are the other injured forwards on IR that could be returning. Sturm hasn't practiced with the team since his injury on Dec. 15.

Sharks head coach David Quinn confirmed yesterday that Couture would join the team on its upcoming five-game road trip with the expectation that he would play.

Quinn said he isn't sure if Couture will play center and move Mikael Granlund to the wing or vice versa.

"I've thought about both scenarios," Quinn explained. "I haven't really made a decision. I've talked to both of them about that. We'll just see how [Couture] keeps going."

San Jose did not have practice after last night's 2-1 defeat to the Winnipeg Jets. Their next game is Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

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