Good news for the San Jose Sharks. Injured goaltender Vitek Vanecek has recovered and has resumed practicing. However, the goaltender is not scheduled to be in the lineup for the time being. He has been sent to the American Hockey League for a brief stint His return to the NHL is still unknown.
Sharks Goaltender Injured While Sidelined
Vanecek has not played a game since December 14th against the Utah Hockey Club. He allowed four goals in the loss. This season alone, he has played in 14 games, a 3-8-1 record. His goals-against average is 3.84 and his save percentage is .885.
While serving as the backup goalie in mid-December for a newly acquired goaltender, Alexandar Georgiev. Vanecek had been hit by a puck in the face. It was later disclosed that he had a fractured cheekbone and would be out of the lineup.
Vanecek had returned to the ice on January 7th for the first time following his injury. He was finally able to wear a goalie mask, allowing him to practice lightly. Throughout the last few weeks, he has been able to take shots from an injured Klim Kostin. He had made great progress during his recovery and was expected to resume practicing back with the team by the end of last week.
.@SanJoseSharks reassigned F Scott Sabourin to the @sjbarracuda. In addition, G Vitek Vanecek has been loaned to the Barracuda for a conditioning assignment.
— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) January 29, 2025
San Jose Send Netminder to Shake Off the Rust
As of Wednesday, January 29th, it was reported that Vanecek had been loaned to the San Jose Barracuda AHL team for conditioning. Having been out of the lineup for over a month, this will allow him to shake any rust off. He will be joining Georgi Romanov, Aaron Dell and Gabriel Carriere at the Barracuda in the net.
Vanecek is currently in the final year of his 3-year contract. He will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this coming off-season. It has not yet been discussed or disclosed if the Sharks will extend a contract to him or if we should be prepared for a trade on the horizon.
Vitek Vanecek was a WALL last night. ? pic.twitter.com/fOMxFLucmJ
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 6, 2024
Vencek has been a crucial part of the San Jose Sharks this season. He was traded by the New Jersey Devils in March of last season and did not play for the Sharks due to an undisclosed injury. He has made impressive moves this season with a high record of saves but has also struggled in keeping the puck from his net. Hopefully, with time in the AHL, he can return to the lineup ready and fresh for what’s next.
Sharks Netminders Hold Down the Net Until Vanecek Returns
In the meantime, the Sharks are working with Georgiev and Yaroslav Askarov in the net. Askarov is fighting to remain at the NHL level and prove his worth while Vanecek is out. He has played in 12 games, starting 11 of them with a 4-5-2 record. Geogiev has started in 12 games for the Sharks since being traded in December for Mackenzie Blackwood. He has a 2-10-0 record with a .905 save percentage.
The Sharks are currently sitting in last place in the Western Division and the NHL with a 15-32-6 record, totalling 36 points. They are nine points behind the Seattle Kraken.
Sharks Prepare For Four Games Before Break
The San Jose Sharks will head to Seattle on January 3oth. This will be their one game on the road before returning to San Jose. They will have a few day’s rest before taking on the Montreal Canadiens for the first time this season. The Barracuda has a list of games in the next few weeks, but it is not yet released as to when Vanecek will make his appearance.
Main Photo: Stan Szeto- Imagn Images
The post San Jose Sharks Send Goaltender to AHL for Conditioning appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.