Mikael Granlund swinging behind the Russia goal, heading for its right side. In the process, the center, then only 19 years old on May 13, 2011, put the puck on his blade and flung it behind Russia’s goalie, Konstantin Barulin. He scored.

Never a huge goal-scorer, Granlund is on pace to hit 20 for the third time in his 13-year career and the first since 2017-18 with Minnesota. But the 32-year-old has been a point producer with the Sharks. He’s leading the team with 44 points in 51 contests after a scoring a team-high 60 points in 69 games last season.

Granlund will travel with the Sharks ahead of Thursday's game in Seattle, but it's unclear whether his illness will prevent him from suiting up. If Granlund is held out against the Kraken, Carl Grundstrom is a candidate to re-enter the lineup.

The San Jose Sharks currently sit second-to-last in the NHL in points, and will most likely be looking to be sellers at the NHL Deadline. Forward Mikael Granlund currently leads San Jose in points (44) and will most definitely be on a multitude of NHL teams' radars.

The most significant player in a contract year is Granlund, the Sharks’ No. 1 center right now who leads the team with 44 points in 51 games, plays in all situations and leads all forwards in average time on ice (20:52).

The Blue Jackets should buy at the NHL trade deadline and Mikael Granlund should be their top target to improve their forward core.

The NHL is back in action tonight, and the league rolls out a 10-game slate for us to navigate. I’m heading the player predictions route, and below I’ve listed my three favorite player predictions for PrizePicks.

Take the San Jose Sharks moneyline for tonight's best bet against the Seattle Kraken who have been struggling at home.

San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund (lower body) will be in the lineup on Monday versus Boston. It was unclear if Granlund would be available for the contest after he sat out Sunday's practice with a lower-body injury.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each. We’ll also break down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play a part.

Connor McDavid scored in his return from a three-game suspension as the Edmonton Oilers defeated the visiting Seattle Kraken 4-2 Monday night.

SAN JOSE – San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier has not had any serious contract negotiations with his large group of pending unrestricted free agents and said it’s unlikely he’ll sign any of those players to extensions before the NHL trade deadline on March 7.