MacDonald (illness) will return to the lineup versus Columbus on Saturday, according to Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald was a late scratch Thursday in Pittsburgh, forcing the Sharks to play with only five healthy defensemen. The 31-year-old veteran saw plenty of action as a fourth-line forward earlier in the campaign and has seven points (six goals) in 24 games this season. He is expected to line up alongside Calen Addison on the third pairing Saturday.

MacDonald (illness) won't be in the lineup Thursday versus the Penguins, Max Miller of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald has played in the last two games since he was called up last Friday. The 31-year-old was playing on defense after seeing time as a forward earlier in the year. His absence, combined with Jan Rutta (lower body) being out, leaves the Sharks with just five healthy blueliners for the contest. MacDonald's next chance to play is Saturday versus the Blue Jackets.

MacDonald was summoned from AHL San Jose on Friday, per the AHL's transaction list.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald has four assists in six contests with AHL San Jose in 2023-24. He has also collected six goals and seven points in 22 appearances with the Sharks.

MacDonald was put on waivers Tuesday, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald has been a versatile player for the Sharks this season, seeing playing time at forward and on defense. He has registered six goals, one assist and 34 shots on net over 22 appearances in 2023-24.

MacDonald (lower body) was activated from injured reserve Monday, Max Miller of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mario Ferraro (lower body) was moved to injured reserve in a corresponding move. MacDonald, who hasn't been in the lineup since Dec. 23 against Vancouver, will be an option to play Tuesday versus Seattle. He has six goals, one assist, 31 shots on net and 14 hits in 17 appearances this campaign.

MacDonald (lower body) won't be activated from IR for Saturday's game versus Buffalo, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

It'll be the 15th game MacDonald's missed since he was placed on injured reserve Dec. 27. The 30-year-old blueliner has six goals and seven points in 17 contests this season. MacDonald's next chance to suit up will come Tuesday against the Kraken.

MacDonald (lower body) might be available to play Saturday versus Buffalo, according to Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald has six goals, seven points and 21 PIM in 17 contests while averaging 11:54 of ice time. There's no guarantee MacDonald will draw into the lineup once he's healthy.

MacDonald (lower body) could return prior to the All-Star break, Max Miller of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald has missed the last 13 games with his lower-body issue, but it sounds like he could be ready to return before the end of January. He's picked up six goals and seven points through 17 contests this season.

MacDonald (lower body) skated Saturday but is a ways away from playing, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald was last in the lineup Dec. 23. He has six goals, seven points, 21 PIM, 14 hits and nine blocks in 17 appearances this season. MacDonald might slot into the third pairing once he's healthy, but it also wouldn't be surprising to see him spend time in the press box as a healthy scratch.

MacDonald (undisclosed) was put on injured reserve Wednesday, per Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald last played Saturday, so this move is presumably retroactive to that date, which would make him eligible to return Sunday versus Colorado. The 30-year-old defenseman has six goals and seven points in 17 contests this campaign. The Sharks might compensate for MacDonald's absence by dressing Calen Addison (lower body) versus LA on Wednesday if he's able to return or Henry Thrun if Addison remains unavailable.