The San Jose Sharks have placed winger Ryan Reaves on Injured Reserve, following a lower-body injury he sustained during a game against the New Jersey Devils. The team has also recalled forward Ethan Cardwell from the San Jose Barracuda to fill the roster gap.
Injury Details and Immediate Impact
Reaves, 38, incurred the injury during the second period of the Sharks’ match on March 28, 2024. He managed to get a backhand shot on goal while battling for position against Devils winger Paul Cotter. Unfortunately, he tripped over the glove of Devils goalie Jake Allen and fell hard onto his back. Following this incident, Reaves exited the game and did not return.
The next day, Reaves was seen wearing a walking boot, indicating the seriousness of his condition. Before the Sharks’ home game against the Colorado Avalanche on March 30, head coach Ryan Warsofsky indicated that the injury was considered day-to-day rather than week-to-week. This is a critical development for the Sharks, who played with only 12 healthy forwards in their recent 3-2 overtime victory over the Avalanche.
Reaves’ Role and Cardwell’s Performance
Since joining the Sharks from the Toronto Maple Leafs in July, Reaves has emerged as a leader in the dressing room, providing both experience and toughness. He will be required to remain on Injured Reserve for a minimum of seven days, retroactive to March 29. Before the injury, Reaves had scored two goals in eight games, including notable fights against players from both the Anaheim Ducks and the New York Rangers.
In Reaves’ absence, Cardwell, 23, steps into the lineup. He has recorded two goals and two points in seven appearances with the Barracuda this season. Though he has one goal in six career NHL games, it remains unclear if he will see action in the Sharks’ upcoming game against the Detroit Red Wings.
As the Sharks navigate this injury and integrate Cardwell into the lineup, fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts without Reaves’ presence on the ice. Further updates on Reaves’ condition and Cardwell’s performance will be provided as the situation develops.
