Health of defensemen
Erik Karlsson missed the final three games before the break after taking a puck off his leg against the Arizona Coyotes. He did not play much in the final period the night prior against the Pittsburgh Penguins for precautionary reasons.
His status for All-Star festivities became questionable but participated in the events alongside Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns. Karlsson should not miss any time and will be in the lineup.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic appears not to be playing as the reliable shut down defenseman he is known for being. Before his injury against Colorado, his production was down and not looking all too great on the penalty kill. Injury or not, Vlasic needs to come back to the level of play from first arriving in San Jose.
San Jose boasts one of the best defensive groups in the league and depth at the position is strong after the emergence of Radim Simek. With a stockpile of talented defensemen, one could be part of a package for a player at the trade deadline.