Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Naturally, the San Jose Sharks will close 2023 with an injury.

The NHL leader in man games lost looks like they might add another significant injury to their ledger.

In the first period of Sunday’s contest against the Colorado Avalanche, defenseman Mario Ferraro took a big hit from Nathan MacKinnon.

Ferraro immediately went to the locker room, favoring his upper body. The San Jose Sharks followed up shortly, confirming that Ferraro had left the game with an upper-body injury.

A doctor not affiliated with the San Jose Sharks or Ferraro offered this opinion.

“The angle of the hit looks like it could cause a clavicle fracture or separated shoulder. Maybe dislocation,” the doctor suggested, on watching the replay. “Shoulder separation is a little less healing time than a clavicle fracture. Dislocation can theoretically be fixed and [he can be] back really quickly.

“He drops his arm after the hit though, something seems wrong there.”

Hopefully, Ferraro isn’t gone long. He’s the only San Jose Sharks defenseman to average over 20 minutes a night (22:45), and while the cellar-dwelling squad has struggled this season, they would undisputedly be worse without him. He’s also shown some offensive flashes recently.

The Sharks’ next game is on Tuesday at SAP Center against the Detroit Red Wings. It’s undetermined as of now if San Jose will practice tomorrow, so we may not get a Ferraro update until then.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Perpetual Bulls trade candidate once more hitting the rumor mill
MLB announces host venues for 2026 World Baseball Classic
Knicks marquee trade acquisition could bolt in free agency
If Lions HC Dan Campbell's assessment of WR is accurate it could mean trouble for opponents
NBA closes investigation into embattled Thunder guard
NFL reporter predicts Cowboys' plan for QB Dak Prescott
Cavaliers make decision on head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s future
Two young stars get hefty bonuses for making All-NBA teams
Mavericks star duo joins exclusive club with Game 1 win
Mavericks ride 'Luka Magic' on both ends late to win Game 1
Panthers shut out Rangers 3-0 in Eastern Conference Final opener
NBA announces 2023-24 All-NBA teams
Star Padres infielder to miss significant time with shoulder injury
LeBron James, Charles Barkley passionately defend Caitlin Clark from 'petty' haters
Roger Goodell discusses factors for possible 18-game NFL season
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has intriguing comment on his contract situation
Celtics toying around with surprise Jayson Tatum move in conference finals
Former teammate warns Tee Higgins about pitfalls of playing on franchise tag
Watch: Timberwolves and Mavericks trade dunks in third quarter
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner tempers expectations for Juan Soto extension