Ward did not return to that game, and on Thursday, head coach Peter DeBoer said Ward sustained a “significant injury” and while no specific timetable was given for his return, he too sounds like he will be out for a while.
DeBoer meanwhile was upset over the play Ward sustained his injury on. It occurred about seven minutes into the second period, with the Sharks trailing 2-1. No penalty was assessed on the play, and Ward did not return to the game.
“I’m just speechless by it, I don’t know what the call is,” DeBoer said on Friday, according to the Mercury News. “Is it two-minute boarding? It’s something, though. You’ve got a veteran guy that’s out with a significant injury, that’s the disappointing part.”
The Sharks enter play Friday tied for the Calgary Flames for second place in the Pacific Division (the Flames hold the tie-breaker with one more regulation or overtime victory), but also sit one point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings for ninth place in the West.
NHL trade tracker: Rumors, reported deals before the 2018 deadline
Less than three weeks away from the trade deadline, it’s unclear what approach San Jose will take. Thornton’s status was always thought to play a role in if general manager Doug Wilson decided to attempt to buy or sell assets, and it’s still unclear when Thornton will be ready to return,
