Sharks scratch top defender against Blue Jackets

The San Jose Sharks' No. 1 defenseman Jake Walman will have a healthy lead in a coach's decision against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

View the original article to view embedded media.

Walman was second among Sharks defensemen in ice time (22:42), one second behind his usual defensive partner Cody Ceci. He led the defense with nine points. Most recently he had two consecutive three-point games.

“My first reaction is that I’m a competitor and I want to play,” Walman said. “It’s the coach’s decision (and) I will respect the conversation we had.”

Walman made two errors against the Vancouver Canucks that led directly to the first goal of the game and ultimately the game-winning goal for the Canucks.

Related: Using NHL EDGE to analyze what went wrong with the Sharks' goals vs. Canucks

The defender also briefly left the game toward the end of the first period after taking a hit from Brock Boeser, but returned at the start of the second period. Walman told reporters he was able to play through the injury and that his scratching had nothing to do with how he was feeling physically.

“He is frustrated. I think everyone wants to play,” Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofksy said. “Klim (Kostin) and Givani (Smith) would say the same thing, but that’s the coach’s decision.”

Walman said his teammates were a little surprised he wouldn't be in the lineup.

“(Warsofsky) knows how much I want to be out there, and I think the guys in the locker room know it too,” Walman said. “Kind of a little surprise to other guys, like when I told them. It's a bit frustrating, of course, and they're frustrated too. So, yeah, like I said, I don't know. Having a good group of guys means a lot to me, and I don’t think it needs to be blown out of proportion.”

Walman said he expects healthy scratching to be just one game tonight.

“Ultimately, it means respecting the decision, even if you're not happy about not being out there,” Walman said. “(I’ll just get through it in the end) and come back stronger and ready to go. Ready to be a leader.”

Be sure to bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and much more.

“Underrated Sharks have a chance to become a superstar at the University of Denver”

Sharks head coach explains line changes in light of Macklin Celebrini's impending return

BREAKING: Sharks' Macklin Celebrini will return from injury against Blue Jackets

Macklin Celebrini runs on the top line during Sharks practice

REPORT: Maple Leafs could move former Sharks defenseman in another trade