Report: Sharks’ Erik Karlsson set to return vs. Avalanche

San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson. (Tony Avelar/AP)

The San Jose Sharks are getting a huge boost to their blue line ahead of the NHL playoffs, as defenceman Erik Karlsson will reportedly play in the team’s regular season finale against the Colorado Avalanche.

Karlsson has missed the Sharks’ past 17 games while recovering from a groin injury.

In the 52 games Karlsson has skated in this season, the defenceman has scored three goals and added 42 assists.

The Sharks sent down defenceman Jacob Middleton to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda in a separate transaction on Saturday.

San Jose will open the Stanley Cup playoffs against the defending Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights next week.

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