Karlsson says he won't return anytime soon, '100 percent' back for playoffs

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson won't be returning to the lineup anytime soon as he deals with an injury separate from the groin ailment that sidelined him earlier this season, he told The Athletic's Kevin Kurz.

Karlsson added he'll "100 percent" be back in time for the playoffs. It's worth noting, though, Karlsson has a history of playing injured in the postseason. Through the Ottawa Senators' magical 2017 run to the Eastern Conference finals, their former captain played on torn tendons in his foot and had to undergo surgery at season's end.

Karlsson missed a month of action from Jan. 16 onward with a groin strain. After five games back in the lineup, he appeared to tweak something against the Boston Bruins on Feb. 26 and hasn't played since.

The 28-year-old has missed 15 games in total through his first campaign with the Sharks and has recorded 45 points in 52 contests.

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