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.

NHL: San Jose Sharks center Mikael Granlund was named an assistant captain for Finland’s 4 Nations Face-Off team

Obviously, the young exciting core group isn’t going anywhere, but the Sharks leading scorer might end up leading trade discussions. Mikael Granlund is in the final year of his

Never a huge goal-scorer, Granlund is on pace to hit 20 for the third time in his 13-year career and the first since 2017-18 with Minnesota. But the 32-year-old has been a point producer with the Sharks. He’s leading the team with 44 points in 51 contests after a scoring a team-high 60 points in 69 games last season.

Due to long-term injuries to Kirill Kaprizov and Jonas Brodin, the Minnesota Wild can now exceed the salary cap to make big moves.

Granlund notched an assist and two shots on goal in Thursday's 6-2 loss to the Kraken.

Former Wild forward Mikael Granlund will represent Team Finland along with Erik Haula, another former Wild forward. Granlund was named an assistant captain for the upcoming tournament. Your #4Nations Face-Off captains for Team Finland are here! Suomen #4Nations Face-Off -turnauksen kapteenisto on tässä! pic.twitter.com/0eOG9IpUuH

San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund was named as an alternate captain for Team Finland at the Four Nations Face-Off.

Playing Thursday

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.

San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund (illness) will stay in the lineup on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. He was initially questionable for the game after sitting out Wednesday's practice due to an illness.

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