The San Jose Sharks and the New York Rangers have been linked together a lot in headlines over the past few weeks, mostly when it comes to trade rumors. There are rumors that the Sharks could be secret suitors for Artemi Panarin, the 34-year-old winger who’s on an expiring contract. There are also rumors that the Sharks could be in the market for a young defenseman, perhaps Braden Schneider, a 24-year-old defenseman who already has 337 NHL games under his belt.
Of the two, Schneider is a better fit for the Sharks, who are looking to add a piece that doesn’t just fit now but also the future of the team. The 24-year-old would instantly become one of the better defensemen on the team and help solidify the Sharks’ defense. It would also make a trade of Mario Ferraro more palatable if that’s the route the Sharks choose to go as the trade deadline nears.
While one of those just across the rink trades would certainly make for some fun hockey talk, the odds of that happening are extremely slim, so let’s talk about the game instead. The last time these two teams met was on Oct. 23 in New York City, when the Sharks made the Rangers miserable, exacerbating the Rangers’ home losing streak. San Jose won 6-5 in overtime, getting a Judy Jupiter boost.
Since that win, the Sharks have continued to fight to try and make waves in the playoffs, while the Rangers are struggling to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference. The Sharks have a 25-21-3 record this season, good enough for fifth in the Pacific Division and just outside of the wild card spot in the Western Conference, while the Rangers are at the bottom of the entire Eastern Conference with a 21-24-6 record.
The Rangers’ leading scorer is Panarin with 56 points in 50 games. The team’s leading goal scorer is Mika Zibanejad with 21 goals in 50 games. Both of those players have been mentioned in trade rumors as the Rangers talk about a retool. New York will be without key players, including defenseman Adam Fox and goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Forward Conor Sheary is also out.
For the Sharks, Philipp Kurashev was on the ice, but in a no-contact jersey. That means that he’s getting closer to going, but he’s not ready to play just yet. Shakir Mukhamadullin is also skating, but also does not appear ready to play a game just yet. The newest addition, Kiefer Sherwood appears to be day-to-day, but isn’t prepared to play. He’s not expected to play tonight, but could play on the Sharks upcoming road trip before the Olympic break.
San Jose Sharks lines tonight
As for the lines tonight, Igor Chernyshov was sent back to the Barracuda, so he’s not an option. It’s not really a surprise; he’s one of the only Sharks left who are waiver-eligible, and the Sharks aren’t looking to give away players for free. San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng reports that Alex Nedeljkovic gets the start in the net tonight. After his rock ’em, sock ’em fight, who could blame the Sharks?
(Quick shout out to our reader Debbie from San Jose, who shared these photos with us.)
Here’s what Peng reports the lines are expected to look like with William Eklund dropping down to the third line and Pavol Regenda hopping up to the second line.
Forwards
Collin Graf — Macklin Celebrini — Will Smith
Pavol Regenda — Alexander Wennberg — Tyler Toffoli
William Eklund — Michael Misa — Adam Gaudette
Barclay Goodrow — Zack Ostapchuk — Ryan Reaves
Defense
Dmitry Orlov — John Klingberg
Mario Ferraro — Timothy Liljegren
Sam Dickinson — Vincent Desharnais
Goaltenders
Alex Nedeljkovic
Yaroslav Askarov
New York Rangers lines vs. San Jose Sharks
As for the Rangers, with Shesterkin out, the Rangers are expected to start Spencer Martin in net instead of our old friend Jonathan Quick. Martin is 2-1-1 this season with a goals against average and .848 goals against average. Here’s what NHL.com reports the lines are expected to look like for the Rangers.
Forwards
J.T. Miller — Mika Zibanejad — Gabe Perreault
Artemi Panarin — Vincent Trocheck — Alexis Lafreniere
Brennan Othmann — Noah Laba — Will Cuylle
Taylor Raddysh — Sam Carrick — Anton Blidh
Defense
Vladislav Gavrikov — Braden Schneider
Carson Soucy — Will Borgen
Matthew Robertson — Scott Morrow
Goaltenders
Spencer Martin
Jonathan Quick
How to watch New York Rangers at San Jose Sharks Jan. 23, 2026
The puck drops at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET at SAP Center in San Jose.
Sharks fans can watch today’s game on NBCSCA or listen on the Sharks Audio Network.
Rangers fans can watch the game on MSG or listen on ESPN 880 AM.
If you’re not headed to the game, be sure to come back here at game time to talk about what’s happening on the ice and around the league. There’s
