Get ready, Sharks fans! The electrifying Will Smith is back in the lineup, and the Sharks are about to get a whole lot more dangerous! But the burning question on everyone's mind is: who will he be skating with? After being sidelined with an upper-body injury since December 13th, the San Jose Sharks' star winger is set to make his triumphant return against the Detroit Red Wings this Friday, January 16, 2026.
Before his injury, Smith was tearing up the ice, ranking second on the team with a remarkable 29 points (12 goals and 17 assists) in just 33 games. He primarily played alongside his close friend and standout center, Macklin Celebrini, forming a dynamic duo that defenses struggled to contain. The Sharks managed to hold their own in Smith's absence, posting an impressive 8-5-0 record. But, let's be honest, everyone's eager to see what Smith's return brings to the team's offensive firepower.
Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky has revealed the projected lines for the game. Alongside Smith's return, defenseman Nick Leddy is also back in the lineup, while Ryan Reaves, Jeff Skinner, and Vincent Iorio will be sitting this one out. Here's a look at the anticipated line combinations:
- Forwards:
- Regenda - Celebrini - Smith
- Eklund - Wennberg - Toffoli
- Graf - Misa - Chernyshov
- Goodrow - Ostapchuk - Gaudette
- Defense:
- Orlov - Klingberg
- Ferraro - Liljegren
- Dickinson - Leddy
- Goaltender:
- Yaroslav Askarov
One interesting note: Warsofsky has also hinted at completely revamped power play units. But here's where it gets controversial...He's keeping those changes under wraps for now, leaving us all guessing how the Sharks will look to capitalize on power play opportunities with Smith back in the mix. Will Smith find immediate chemistry with a new power play unit? Will Celebrini and Smith be reunited on the top unit?
And this is the part most people miss: Youngster Misa will be playing his first back-to-back games in the NHL. How will he handle the increased workload and pressure? Will he rise to the occasion, or will fatigue be a factor?
On the other side of the ice, the Detroit Red Wings (28-16-4) are gearing up for a tough battle. For the latest on their lineup and game-day updates, be sure to check out Detroit Hockey Now.
Game Details:
The puck drops between the San Jose Sharks and the Detroit Red Wings at 4 PM PT at Little Caesars Arena. Catch all the action live on NBC Sports California, or tune in to the Sharks Audio Network for the radio broadcast.
So, Sharks fans, what do you think? Are you excited to see Smith back on the ice? Do you agree with Warsofsky's line combinations? And what changes do you predict for the power play units? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let's get the conversation started! What impact will Smith make in his return? Is this the spark the Sharks need to surge ahead? Let us know what you think!
