San Jose Sharks defenseman Vincent Desharnais has played three games since returning from an upper-body injury, and he proved he was missed badly.

The big d-man is once again paired with Sam Dickinson on the third rotation, but continues to play an important role. He’s the top PK defenseman. The Sharks had given up at least one power-play goal in the three games leading up to Desharnais’ return. Since comingback, the kill is a perfect 6-for-6.

“Just to keep it simple,” Desharnais told SHD on Thursday. “So many things are going through your head, you want to do so many good things. Two months is two months, no matter who you are, you’re gonna feel it. The timing won’t be the same. My main thing was just to move my feet and make hard plays, and the rest was gonna take care of itself.”

Desharnais quickly engaged himself in his return against the Florida Panthers. He was physical all night, including a massive hit on Matthew Tkachuk.

But Desharnais on-ice impact isn’t the only thing he brings to the San Jose Sharks locker room. His personality draws the rest of the team to him. He’s placed next to Dickinson in the lineup, and the two have become very close.

“I think everybody on our team would say he’s just like a pillar of stability,” Dickinson said. “When he’s on the ice, it just seems like things sort of slow down. Everything gets calmed down. He’s huge in the penalty kill. Being lucky enough to play with him, I think over the first however many games that we played together at the beginning of the year, we built a lot of good chemistry.”

Desharnais got to see firsthand how much Dickinson has developed. Desharnais went nearly two months without playing, and was complimentary of his d-partner.

“I think Dickie, helped me out big time. At 19 years old, to be able to step up for me and help me out, especially the first half of the first game, I thought he was awesome for me,” Desharnais said. “I told him after the game, Thank you. Like everyone is talking about, oh, you play great, but I think it’s important to mention, when your partner helps you out. He doesn’t put you in a suit (healthy scratched), that helps a lot to look good. He played a big part in the first game back.

Sherwood & Desharnais have a history

Desharnais loves to have fun, like the rest of his Sharks teammates. While playing for the Vancouver Canucks last season, Desharnais grew close with newly acquired winger Kiefer Sherwood. The two are both considered late bloomers by NHL standards and have bonded over it.

“‘I’m excited. I think it’s a big addition for us,” Desharnais said. “It’s funny, when I texted him to welcome him, and all that, and the first thing he said was, can’t wait to stir some stuff up on the ice. I think he’s gonna fit right in. We already have a couple guys that are like that.”

When Sherwood met with members of the San Jose Sharks media, he was overly appreciative of his bond with Desharnais.

“We hung out a little bit last year in VAN and got to know him. He’s a great person,” Sherwood said. “It’s funny how you meet guys and mesh again, and full circle. I’m excited get to know the guys and be part of this group. I’m hearing great things, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Desharnais is averaging 15:14 since returning from his injury. That number could get even higher as he continues to get his rhythm back. His goal against the Florida Panthers was just the second of his NHL career.