San Jose Sharks defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk was activated off IR yesterday and is ready to show he is a valuable asset.

The San Jose Sharks acquired Nikita Okhotiuk in the trade that sent Timo Meier to the New Jersey Devils.

The Russian defenseman has played 15 career NHL games for New Jersey and could make his Sharks debut on Thursday against the Vancouver Canucks.

The 22-year-old has been the subject of a bit of controversy as he is eligible for waivers. The Sharks front office doesn't want to take a chance on him passing waivers.

As for how Okhotiuk is feeling after returning from IR:

"I feel great. I am glad I had the opportunity to go [to the AHL] and play some games and get back into shape game-wise," Okhotiuk said yesterday. 

Okhotiuk had core muscle surgery during the offseason and was dealing with a flair-up of the same injury midway through training camp. 

He confirmed multiple times that he is feeling healthy and excited to play.

"It feels great," Okhotiuk said about practicing with the NHL club. "It was awesome. When I was driving to the rink, I didn't know I was going to be practicing here. I just got told when I got here."

Okhotiuk played five games in the AHL and had one assist. 

"He was able to stay healthy down there and played some hockey, and his last two games was the best game, so we're anxious to have him up here," Sharks head coach David Quinn said.

The San Jose Sharks placed Matt Benning on IR this morning, opening up a spot for Okhotiuk to possibly take in the lineup. 

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