Rutta (lower body) missed Saturday's game versus the Senators but will travel with the Sharks for their road trip, which begins Tuesday in Philadelphia, Max Miller of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta's presence on the trip suggests his injury is of the short-term variety. When he's ready to play again, Calen Addison or Jacob MacDonald are the most likely defensemen to exit the lineup.

Rutta posted an assist in Tuesday's 7-6 overtime loss to the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

This was Rutta's third helper in the last six contests. The 33-year-old blueliner has been solid in a top-four role lately, though his offense remains modest at best. He's up to 15 points, 54 shots on net, 89 blocked shots, 58 hits, 36 PIM and a minus-11 rating through 55 outings overall. Rutta's likely to maintain his current role, but his fantasy value is limited to deeper formats.

Rutta posted an assist, four blocked shots and two hits in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has two helpers and 10 blocked shots over his last four games. The 33-year-old defenseman continues to see significant minutes in a top-four role, but mostly as a defense-first presence. He's up to 14 points, 53 shots on net, 87 blocks, 57 hits and a minus-13 rating over 53 appearances this season.

Rutta posted an assist in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta snapped a five-game point drought when he set up Filip Zadina's third-period tally. The 33-year-old Rutta has been solid in a top-four role this season, picking up 13 points, 48 shots on net, 54 hits, 78 blocked shots and a minus-13 rating over 50 appearances. His offense isn't high enough to carry much value in standard fantasy formats.

Rutta scored an empty-net goal in Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Kraken.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta's point streak is at five games (three goals, three assists) after he added the insurance tally Tuesday. The 33-year-old has rarely had such productive stretches in his career, but it coincides with him seeing more consistent top-four usage with Mario Ferraro (lower body) out. Rutta is up to three goals, 12 points, 41 shots on net, 70 blocked shots, 36 hits and a minus-10 rating through 44 appearances this season.

Rutta provided two assists, three blocked shots and two PIM in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta is warm right now, earning four points over the last three games, all wins for the Sharks. He played a key role Tuesday, setting up Ryan Carpenter for the game-tying goal in the third period and Tomas Hertl for the game-winner in overtime. Rutta has 10 points, 38 shots on net, 68 blocked shots, 36 hits, 18 PIM and a minus-11 rating through 42 appearances. The 33-year-old may see a larger role while Mario Ferraro (undisclosed) is out.

Rutta provided an assist and went plus-2 in Saturday's 7-4 loss to the Canucks.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has five helpers over nine appearances in December. The 33-year-old has been a steady presence in a top-four role when healthy this season, but he doesn't add much offense. Rutta's at six assists, 29 shots on net, 45 blocked shots and a minus-11 rating through 28 appearances.

Rutta (illness) is available for Thursday's game against Arizona, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has five assists, 17 hits and 43 blocks in 26 contests with the Sharks this season. His return might result in Henry Thrun being a healthy scratch versus the Coyotes.

Rutta (illness) won't suit up Tuesday versus the Kings, Max Miller of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta was considered a game-time decision, but he did not participate in warmups. The 33-year-old previously missed five contests this season with an undisclosed injury. Rutta's next chance to play is Thursday versus the Coyotes.

Rutta (illness) will be a game-time decision Tuesday against the Kings, according to Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has produced five assists, 29 shots on goal, 43 blocked shots and 17 hits in 26 games this season. If he can't play, Marc-Edouard Vlasic will replace him on the blue line.