PHILADELPHIA – The San Jose Sharks’ lineup against the Philadelphia Flyers could be in flux as the team deals with multiple injuries.
Yaroslav Askarov appeared to be the starter for the Sharks on Tuesday, but was not present for the morning skate. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that Alex Nedeljkovic will make his second straight start as Askarov is sick.
Nedeljkovic will start. Askarov should be able to back up but is dealing with illness. #SJSharks
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) December 9, 2025
“Asky is dealing with an illness. We are pretty sure he’ll be good to back up,” Warsofsky said. “Things shifted. Hopefully, [we find out he can back up] before the game, around 4 o’clock. He’s at the hotel resting.”
Nedeljkovic is coming off arguably his best game as a member of the San Jose Sharks. On Sunday, Nedeljkovic made 28 saves on 29 shots against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Timothy Liljegren is also considered a game-time decision for the Sharks, according to Warsofsky. The defenseman participated in the morning skate but is apparently dealing with a lower-body injury. If he cannot play, Shakir Mukhamadullin will draw in.
Liljegren is a GTD due to lower-body injury. if he’s out Mukhamadullin will draw in. #SJSharks
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) December 9, 2025
The one piece of good news for the Sharks is that Ryan Reaves is returning to the lineup after sitting for two games dealing with minor injuries. Jeff Skinner will be a healthy scratch.
“This is a heavy team. Reavo’s been off for two games, get a little healthier. He’s been one of our most consistent forwards,” Warsofsky said. “That’s part of it, and the matchup that we’re going against.”
As for why Skinner is the odd man out for the San Jose Sharks:
“We like [Zack Ostapchuk] in that fourth line center spot right now. He’s playing some really good hockey,” Warsofsky said. “We want to continue to work with him and develop him. He did some things that we asked him to do in the Carolina game, [and] he went and did it, and everyone else played pretty solid.
So Skinner is the odd man out. Unfortunately, can’t dress 13 forwards. It’s a tough decision for a veteran guy; [He] had some good looks against Carolina, but you know, the balance of our lines, we wanted to do that.”
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET, and warmup, which starts at approximately 6:30, will confirm the finalized lineup.
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