Head coach John Hynes said that he's "hopeful" that Eriksson Ek (lower body) will be able to return Wednesday against the Sharks, Jessi Pierce of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eriksson Ek has been sidelined since late February after sustaining a lower-body injury during practice, but he's been skating in recent weeks and has a chance to return to game action Wednesday. Over 42 appearances this season, he's recorded nine goals, 15 assists, 69 hits, 31 blocked shots and 20 PIM while averaging 19:38 of ice time.