Ward collected a pair of assists in Saturday's win over Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Ward has now put put back-to-back multi-point games after managing just one assist in his previous eight outings. The 36-year-old has struggled this season with just three goals and 14 points in 38 games, but hopefully these two games are a sign of what's to come. Ward skates in the bottom-six, but he plays on the power play and has a decent shot, so he could be worth a look in some very deep leagues if he continues to heat up.

Ward will not be in the lineup Friday night against the Canadiens, Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward has really struggled this season, namely in the scoring department. He's found twine only twice on 42 attempts for a 4.8 shooting percentage -- for comparison's sake, he manufactured 21 goals thanks to a 15.2 conversion rate on shots last season. More concerning, his power-play ice time has dropped by nearly two minutes per game, leaving countless fantasy owners in search of more attractive options on the waiver wire.

Ward picked up a pair of assists in a 4-1 win over the Kings on Wednesday. He also skated to a plus-3.

EDGE Analysis

The points are just the sixth and seventh of the season for the veteran, who is well off the pace of his 43-point campaign from a year ago. At least a portion of Ward's struggles are due to his marked reduction in power-play time, as he's averaged just 0:39 per game compared to last season's 2:32 when he produced a career-high 12 points with the man advantage. The 35-year-old is, however, still clinging to a spot in the top six next to center Logan Couture while averaging over 16 minutes of total ice time, suggesting an uptick in production isn't out of the question given his role and track record.

Ward picked up a shorthanded goal Wednesday in a 2-1 home win over the Blackhawks.

EDGE Analysis

Sharks forward Chris Tierney broke free after a quick battle along the end boards and made a successful clearing attempt that Ward ended up chasing down. The home fans jumped off their feet after watching Ward fake a slap shot and flick the puck into the twine for his second goal of the season. As exciting as that play was, Ward's only averaging a point every four games along with a minus-1 rating, and fantasy owners simply need more production out of the power forward.

Ward has just three points in 15 games thus far this season.

EDGE Analysis

He's got a pair of assists over the last four games, but otherwise has put up far too many zeroes for a guy that plays almost 16 minutes per contest and put up 43 points in 2015-16. Ward is currently skating on the Sharks' top line with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski, so hopefully -- for the sake of his owners -- he seizes the opportunity and starts producing more frequently.

Ward (lower body) is in the lineup for Thursday's season opener against the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Ward's return to practice during morning skate likely foreshadowed this outcome, but now it can be confirmed. He's expected to serve on the team's third line to begin the season, playing alongside Patrick Marleau and Chris Tierney.

Ward (lower body) participated in Tuesday's practice, Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward missed the Sharks' final two preseason games with a lower-body ailment, but was always expected to be ready for Opening Night, so his return to practice Tuesday doesn't come as much of a surprise. We'll confirm his status ahead of Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Kings, but there's no reason to believe the 35-year-old winger will have to sit out the evening's contest at this juncture.

Ward (lower body) is expected to be healthy for the season opener Wednesday, when the Sharks play host to the Kings, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward is known as a consummate professional. He's also strong physically and mentally, which helps him contribute in all areas. Last season -- his first campaign dressed in Teal -- Ward picked up 21 points and 22 assists, and the most power-play ice time (2:32) he's had in the last three years. Oh, and we'd be remiss to not mention that Ward was a stabilizing presence on the penalty kill.

Ward (lower body) won't travel for San Jose's final two games of the preseason, Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the injury is significant enough to keep Ward out of these last couple games, it isn't expected to cause him to miss the Sharks' regular season opener on Wednesday.

Ward scored his seventh goal of the postseason in Saturday's 3-2 overtime win over the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

Wardo has five goals in his last five games and six points in that span. The Sharks picked him up because of his clutch production and that's just what he's delivering.