Nieto has been a healthy scratch in four of the last six games and hasn't recorded a point this season.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto hasn't done much this year, failing to record a point while averaging 11:60 of ice time across five contests. He posted 24 and 27 points, respectively, in his first two NHL seasons but took a step back with just 17 in 67 games last year, so it appears he's fallen even further out of favor with the Sharks' coaching staff given all the time he's been spending in the press box lately.

Nieto agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Sharks on Friday, the San Jose Mercury News reports, adding that the deal is worth $735,000.

EDGE Analysis

The Sharks reportedly have less than $1 million to spend before reaching the salary cap, but this was a budget signing for a speedy forward with playoff experience. Nieto has recorded 68 points (28 goals, 40 assists) in 205 regular-season games, which doesn't scream fantasy value, though he additionally provides Team Teal with special teams contributions and the occasional clutch play.

Nieto will be in the lineup for Game 2 on Wednesday against the Penguins, Kevin Burz of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto slots back into the depth chart following an eight-game absence. In an already fast paced series, the winger will be able to increase the tempo on his end of the ice as they look to keep up with the Pens. It appears veteran Dainius Zubrus is the odd man odd with Nieto returning to action.

Nieto (upper body) has been cleared to return to action, but no decision has been made yet on whether or not he slots into the lineup for Wednesday's Game 2 matchup with Pittsburgh, Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto missed the entire Western Conference Final series against the Blues. While the 23-year-old is certainly no offensive powerhouse, his insertion into the depth chart could help shake up the stagnant bottom-six forwards of the Sharks. If the winger returns to the ice Wednesday, look for Tommy Wingels or Dainius Zubrus to be the odd man out.

Nieto (upper body) said he "absolutely" expects to be available at some point during the Stanley Cup Finals against the Penguins, Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto, who hasn't played since May 9, reportedly went through a full practice with contact Friday. Until the fleet-footed winger gets the green light to play, Melker Karlsson should continue to occupy a left-wing spot on the third line. With just two teams left in the hunt for the Stanley Cup, fantasy players abound are either celebrating a title of their own or looking ahead to next season. Having totaled 68 points (28 goals, 40 assists) to go along with a minus-24 rating in 205 regular-season games, Nieto would need to improve his all-around game before he'd be able to captivate fantasy owners.

Nieto (upper body) has been ruled out for Saturday's Game 4 against the Blues, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto will need to take contact in practice before he'd be considered for game action. Fortunately, his absence Saturday is likely to go unnoticed in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. When healthy, the 23-year-old brings speed to the lineup but he has just one goal and two helpers for his only points through 11 games this postseason. Look for Melker Karlsson to fill the void.

Nieto (upper body) told reporters he is not cleared for contact and will miss Game 3 on Thursday, but still hopes to return during Western Conference Finals, Curtis Pashelka of Bay Area News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto's inability to participate in contract drills at practice severely limits the amount of work he is getting. While the winger remains optimistic a return in near, it does not bode well that he remains partially sidelined. When healthy, the 23-year-old contributed just three points to the Sharks playoff run, which may put doubts into coach Peter DeBoer's mind of whether or not to even use Nieto when he is ready to go.

Nieto (undisclosed) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 2 against the Blues, Craig Custance of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will be the third straight absence for Nieto, a third-line winger who -- when healthy -- provides energy and grit. Look for more of Timmy Wingels with Nieto acting as a spectator Tuesday.

Nieto (undisclosed) will not play in Sunday's Game 1 against the Blues, CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Sharks played well in Game 7, so coach Peter DeBoer indicated the team will have the same lineup in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. That grouping does not include Nieto, who exited Game 6 after just 3:53 of ice time due to the undisclosed injury. Tommy Wingels played well in his stead and will again take Nieto's place. The 23-year-old winger will attempt to rejoin the lineup for Game 2 on Tuesday but there's no guarantee that will be the case.

Nieto (undisclosed) is not healthy enough to play in Thursday's Game 7 against the Predators, Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was expected to be the case, as Nieto reportedly was absent from practice Wednesday. Tommy Wingels will play instead, but he doesn't consistently provide enough offense for us to recommend him in playoff pools.