Sharks place Joe Thornton on injured reserve

San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton has been placed on injured reserve, the team announced Sunday.

Thornton, who had played in 319 consecutive regular-season games, missed the Sharks game against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. It was the first game Thornton had sat out since the 2010-11 season.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, Thornton was injured Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks in a collision with defenseman Clayton Stoner. He will be eligible to return as early as Thursday against St. Louis.

With Thornton out of the lineup, Joe Pavelski shifted to center on the top line, with Matt Nieto slotting in for Pavelski at right wing. Thornton leads all Sharks skaters in assists (24) and points (33) this season.