Like several other pending unrestricted free agents around the NHL, San Jose Sharks center Nico Sturm figures he’ll be moved to another team before the NHL trade deadline in March if he doesn’t receive a contract extension offer.

The San Jose Sharks sit 31st in the league with a 14-26-6 record, making them a prime contender for top-end draft selection. With the Sharks in the midst of a rebuild, selling the team to gather draft assets is a priority.

To try and spark his dormant offense, Warsofsky put Celebrini on a line with Eklund and Toffoli on the wings. The trio was the Sharks’ best Saturday, as they created nine scoring chances at even strength against the Wild and allowed just two, per Natural Stat Trick.

Elvis Merzlikins made 18 saves to earn the goaltending win in a game that finished with the Blue Jackets holding a commanding 34-19 edge in shots. Tyler Toffoli scored the lone goal for the Sharks at 7:32 of the third, cutting the Jackets’ lead to 3-1 while spoiling Merzlikins’ shutout bid.

Zach Werenski climbs higher, the Blue Jackets are watching the standings closer and the San Jose Sharks were overmatched: 3 takeaways

James van Riemsdyk scored twice and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1 to extend their win streak to six games — their longest since January 2020

A strong first two periods helped the Blue Jackets survive a third-period push from the Sharks before van Riemsdyk found the empty net.

James van Riemsdyk scored twice, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-1 victory over the visiting San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.

Watch the Game Highlights from Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks, 01/16/2025