Dallas Stars forward Patrick Sharp has been in and out of the Stars’ lineup this season quite a bit. He started the season out healthy but by mid-October was sidelined with concussion-like symptoms. As a result, he missed 14 games. He returned mid-to-late November and seemed to be fine and ready to go, but his concussion woes came back and he has not played a game since Dec 1.
Dallas Stars Forward Patrick Sharp May Return As Early As Tomorrow
Since December, Sharp has missed another 13 straight games with injury. Over the course of this time, Sharp has been practicing both on his own and with the team, but in short bursts. He has taken some maintenance days and off days in attempt to not re-aggravate his head injury. Sharp has taken many steps towards a return and is improving, but as of now there is still no definite timetable for his return. Head Coach Lindy Ruff labeled Sharp as “day-to-day”.
Lindy Ruff said Antoine Roussel is a "few days away" and that Patrick Sharp is "still going day to day. He's feeling a lot better."
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) December 29, 2016
Lindy Ruff told SportsDay Dallas,
“Right now, it’s not in the conversation. With Patrick, we really want to be sure this time around. I’ve liked the way he’s skating in practice, I like where he is when it comes to energy. And, really, his body mannerism now is so much better, which I think those are all good signs. He’ll know when he’s ready. He’ll tell us when he thinks he’s ready.”
With Sharp having turned 35 on Dec. 27, the team is very cautious with him and risking a premature return to play. The Stars do not want to risk rushing Sharp back to playing and consequently another injury. Concussions are a big deal nowadays and are to be taken very seriously as seen with the new protocols being implemented recently with spotters, and with the fact that Sharp has had a history of them, it is better to stay safe then sorry.
Patrick Sharp remains out w concussion. Won't play tonight vs #Avs. Last guy off at AM skate here in Dallas pic.twitter.com/mzMa4JPbsO
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) December 29, 2016
Patrick Sharp arrived in Dallas in the summer of 2015, when the Chicago Blackhawks dealt him as well as defenseman Stephen Johns to Dallas in exchange for Trevor Daley and Ryan Garbutt. In his first season with the Stars, Sharp played well, forming chemistry with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. He became a big piece to the Dallas offense, scoring 20 goals and 35 assists for a total of 55 points.
This season however, has been completely different. Plagued by concussion-like symptoms, Sharp has only played in 11 games this season, scoring a single goal and a lone assist. In total, he has missed 26 of the 37 Dallas games in 2016-17. Regarding his most-likely return, it can be said that Sharp may play tomorrow against the Florida Panthers:
Patrick Sharp is ready to go. Guess is he will play against Florida. Antoine Roussel not ready yet.
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) December 30, 2016
Quote courtesy of SportsDay Dallas.
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