The 29-year-old is expected to play on the fourth line against the Wild. His return is a benefit to the Sharks, as they've been dealing with a number of injuries up front lately.

Injury troubles continue to bite the San Jose Sharks as center Nico Sturm is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury, ...

The San Jose Sharks are likely getting Nico Sturm back ... Askarov in the NHL for now. Thompson's demotion allows the Sharks to open a space on the active roster for Sturm's return.

Sturm scored a shorthanded goal and added two hits in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Red Wings.

The Colorado Avalanche continued their trading spree on Tuesday afternoon, dealing forward Tyson Jost to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Nico Sturm ... in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft ...