Pacific Notes: Sheahan, Tuch, Carter, Middleton

In advance of another trip through unrestricted free agency, it appears Oilers center Riley Sheahan is changing things up.  Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal reports that the 28-year-old has switched agents and is now represented by Ritch Winter; previously, Pat Brisson was representing him.  Sheahan’s offensive pace is basically identical to that of a year ago as he sits with eight goals and seven assists through 64 games this season.  He’s currently making $900K but with Edmonton’s salary cap situation, it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to give him much more than that on a new deal.

More from the Pacific Division:

• Golden Knights winger Alex Tuch has had a setback in his recovery from his lower-body injury, notes David Schoen of the Las Vegas Review-Journal (Twitter link). Instead of being available to play as anticipated, he has been sent back for further evaluation.  It has been a tough season for Tuch who has battled injuries on multiple occasions and has struggled when he is in the lineup.  After collecting 52 points in 2018-19, he has just eight goals and nine assists in 42 contests so far this season.
• Although Kings center Jeff Carter has yet to skate since March 1st when he had a setback in his recovery, head coach Todd McLellan told Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider that they haven’t ruled out him returning at some point over the final few weeks. The veteran has been out with a lower-body injury for nearly three weeks now but even though Los Angeles is well out of playoff contention, McLellan indicated that Carter wants to get back before the season ends.
• Sharks defenseman Jacob Middleton was just starting to secure a regular role in the lineup after being recalled late last month but that momentum has been derailed. Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News mentions that Middleton is listed as week-to-week with his lower-body injury and may not be back this season.  The 24-year-old has played in ten NHL games this season and will be a restricted free agent with arbitration eligibility in July.