Nieto has played in 66 games this season, but hast not recorded a points in his last seven games. With Tomas Hertl returning tonight, Nieto will take a seat.

Nieto suffered an apparent left foot injury blocking a shot late in the second period against the Stars, so John McCarthy has been recalled from Worcester and will play. With Nieto out, Marty Havlat will likely play in a top six role, although it's uncertain just how the top two lines will be constructed.

Nieto has skated in 23 games with the Sharks this season, he has two goals and four assists. With Tomas Hertl out for at least one month, Nieto's stay is expected to be a lengthy one this time around.

Nieto made the opening night roster and tallied two goals and four assists in 19 games as a rookie. He was reassigned to Worcester on November 26, and on Friday night against Portland, had two goals and three assists in an 8-2 Worcester win. It was one of just two games he played for the minor league Sharks.

Nieto missed Sunday's contest with a hand injury he suffered blocking a shot on Saturday. "It would not be fair to him or the team to put him into the line up," said Sharks head coach Todd McLellan.