SAN JOSEJason Demers will return to the Sharks lineup on Thursday night when the team hosts the Detroit Red Wings at HP Pavilion.
Demers has been a healthy scratch for eight of the last 10 games, as rookie Justin Braun and veteran Colin White have made up the teams third defense pair for the majority of that stretch.
By all indications, Bruan will sit while Demers will be paired with White even though Todd McLellan would not confirm anything.
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I know I wasnt playing the greatest, and had to sort of go back to the drawing board and figure out what made me good and what made me successful last year and the year before, said Demers, after Thursdays morning skate. The coaches have been great working with me, and just sort of letting me know whats going on.
A team-worst -6, Demers noted that he had to work on his defensive positioning more than anything else. If there is any silver lining to his benching, its that the season is not even a quarter of the way through.
Its better its happening early in the year, I can fix those things early, and not have to worry about it for the rest of the year, he said.
Demers also admitted that hell have to deal with some butterflies early on.
San Jose Sharks
For sure, Ill be nervous. Its normal. I think anyone whos ever come back from anything has been nervous the first game, he said. Its better to feel that, Id be worried if I wasnt nervous. I am, and its just about keeping it simple.
I have a great partner in Colin White, and hes there to manage my nerves and keep me focused. Its just about having a few hard, short shifts and getting my legs under me. From there, it will come natural.
Demers has two assists and two penalty minutes in seven games this season.