Karlsson not at practice, could miss Sharks' home opener
Defenseman did not play in season opener because of personal matter
by Ross McKeon / NHL.com Independent Correspondent
SAN JOSE -- Erik Karlsson was not at San Jose Sharks practice Thursday after missing the season opener Wednesday at the Vegas Golden Knights to attend to a personal matter.
Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said he did not know if the defenseman would be available when San Jose plays its home opener against the Golden Knights at SAP Center on Friday (10:30 p.m. ET; NBCSCA, ATTSN-RM, NHL.TV).
"I can't share anything, and I don't know," DeBoer said regarding Karlsson's absence and whether he'll play.
San Jose learned an hour before its 4-1 loss on Wednesday that Karlsson would not play.
The 29-year-old, who took part in the morning skate before the opener, is in his second season with the Sharks after playing the previous nine with the Ottawa Senators. A two-time Norris Trophy winner voted as the best defenseman in the NHL, Karlsson had 45 points (three goals, 42 assists) in 53 games and was named to the NHL All-Star Game for the sixth time.
Karlsson was replaced in the lineup Wednesday by defenseman Tim Heed. Karlsson's usual defense partner, Brenden Dillon, practiced with Heed on Thursday.