ST. LOUIS Brent Burns mysterious ailment wound up being a much ado about nothing for the Sharks.
Burns returned to his defensive pairing with partner Joakim Ryan at the Sharks morning practice in St. Louis Tuesday after missing the last 16:35 of the third period Sunday. The reigning-Norris Trophy winner will suit up for the Sharks game against the St. Louis Blues (34-22-4) Tuesday night.
Head coach Pete DeBoer said the Sharks 5-0 lead over the Dallas Stars in the third period Sunday played a role in Burns decision to leave the game.
Had the score not been what it was, I would guess that he probably would have battled through, the Sharks coach said. It just made sense in all our parts to do the right thing considering the situation.
The Sharks (32-19-8) created worry among their fans Monday when they recalled defenseman Paul Martin from the AHL Barracuda for their four-game road trip, suggesting the team might need an extra defenseman to account for Burns absence.
But DeBoer said the Sharks added Martin to give themselves an insurance policy in the event that they wind up needing an extra defenseman on the trip.
Its hard to get people on the road if you need somebody in the middle of a trip, so it made sense, he said.
2. Tomas Hertl will rejoin the lineup on the road trip.
The Sharks placed Hertl on the injured reserve Monday to make space for Martin, but DeBoer is still expecting him to rejoin the lineup on the road trip.
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Hertl went on the injured reserve with an apparent right-hand ailment retroactive to Feb. 15, so he could be available to suit up for the Sharks game against the Nashville Predators Thursday.
I anticipate hell play on the trip, I dont know when, DeBoer said. I dont know whether its next game, the one after that or the final one.
The Sharks coach also said that forward Joel Ward isnt going to play on the trip, maintaining his status as week to week.
3. Is Paul Martin making his farewell tour with the Sharks?
DeBoer offered one more explanation for Martins presence on the trip.
Its nice to have him around, the Sharks coach said. Hes a good teammate, the guys enjoy him.
With the trade deadline looming, the trip could give Martin a chance to say a few last goodbyes to his friends on the Sharks.
After losing his spot on the blue line to rookie Joakim Ryan earlier in the season, Martin asked the Sharks to explore the possibility of a trade in January. The Sharks waived Martin on Jan. 15, allowing him to join the Barracuda to give prospective trade partners an opportunity to see if he can still play the AHL level.
Before Martin went down to the minors, his agent, Ben Hankinson told the Mercury News that some top teams were interested in potentially acquiring his services. After 18 AHL games, no one is biting.
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Martin said hes unaware of whether those teams are still interested.
Im dont even pay attention. My agent talks to teams, Martin said. Im sure they want to see if I can still play in the AHL, but its not the same as the body of work theyd want to see in the NHL. Im sure everyone has their list of the top-end guys they want.
If something happens, Im ready.
At the same time, Martin, who turns 37 on March 5, is realistic. He knows that if the Sharks are unable to move him before the NHLs Feb. 26 trade deadline, it could signal the end of his career.
What can you do? Martin said. Ive had a good body of work. Ive played with a lot of good players. Ive been part of a lot of good teams. The league is going young, it has been. There arent a lot of old guys my age that are still playing.
The more you think about it, the tougher it is. Its one of those things where you just play and enjoy it because you never know how many days you have left.
Regardless of what happens when the trade deadline expires Monday, Martin insists that he will finish the season. If general manager Doug Wilson is unable to find a dance partner, Martin is prepared to play out the rest of the 2017-18 schedule with the Sharks organization, whether its in the NHL or with the Barracuda.
At this point, he enjoys playing a mentorship role with the organizations up-and-coming defensemen.
Ive never quit at anything, Martin said. You play it through until the end.
In the meantime, hes enjoying the opportunity to spend some time with his old friends on the road, share laughs and a few memories.
Its just fun to be around the guys, see the faces youve seen for the last couple of years, Burns, Dillon, Braun, he said, before joking: Its nice to be in a locker room where they have stalls instead of folding chair, too, ride a plane instead of a bus.