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.

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 NHL trade deadline is upon us. On March 7, teams will decide whether they’re ready to compete for the Stanley Cup or pack it in for the season and sell off assets. Trade season is always ripe for some fascinating discussion,

Granlund extended his productive stretch Monday with a goal midway through the second period, and the 32-year-old playmaker has cracked the scoresheet in four of his last five appearances. Granlund has been a productive player for a struggling Sharks team and has racked up 10 points in 13 games in January, tallying four goals and six assists.

Granlund racked up three assists, two shots on goal, two PIM and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 6-5 loss to the Predators. Granlund enjoyed playing one of his former teams over the last two games, earning five points despite the Sharks losing both games.

Granlund didn't participate in Sunday's practice session due to a lower-body injury, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports. Despite Granlund's absence from practice, head coach Ryan Warsofsky didn't rule the 32-year-old out for Monday's road game against Boston.

San Jose Sharks (14-30-6, in the Pacific Division) San Jose, California; Thursday, 10:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The San Jose Sharks host the Nashville Predators after Mikael Granlund scored two ...

San Jose Sharks leading scorer Mikael Granlund has a lot of trade and contract extension rumors surrounding him.

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.

The Kraken, who are scheduled to play host to San Jose on Thursday night, placed Grubauer on waivers Wednesday, with the intent of assigning him to Coachella Valley of the American Hockey League. The move came after Grubauer allowed five goals on 22 shots in a 6-4 loss Tuesday against visiting Anaheim.

The Pacific Division is fun this season. A new leader in the Pacific Division has emerged, as the Edmonton Oilers have a 32-15-3 record with 67 points.

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).