SOURCES: Sharks Prospect Brinson Pasichnuk Practicing, Should Play Soon

There’s a defenseman at Sharks Ice who’s missed some time, but is now practicing and should return to action soon.

It’s not just Erik Karlsson.

Sources have told San Jose Hockey Now that San Jose Sharks prospect Brinson Pasichnuk, who’s missed the entire season, is on the way back. He’s been a full participant at San Jose Barracuda practice recently and could return to AHL action as soon as next week.

During training camp, the 24-year-old revealed that he had been diagnosed with celiac disease.

Per the Mayo Clinic, celiac disease “is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

“If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine’s lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to serious complications.”

At the time, Brinson Pasichnuk was optimistic that his celiac-related health troubles were in the rearview mirror. He had lost 15 pounds over the summer, down to about 200, and was looking to get his strength and conditioning back: “I think it’s going to be a great help for me because it just forces me to honestly be healthier. I’m not allowed to eat a lot of stuff now, so I really think it’s just going to help me become a better player.

“It’s amazing how much different I feel just skating backward 10 to 14 pounds lighter than having that extra weight on you. It’s incredible and I’m excited to see, once my lungs get back to game shape, see how much it really helps.”

There’s been, however, little Brinson Pasichnuk news since then. The 6-foot-0 blueliner hasn’t appeared in a regular season game with the San Jose Sharks or the Barracuda this season, after suiting up for four NHL games and 32 AHL tilts last year.

A source told SJHN that Pasichnuk’s absence was celiac disease-related.

Perhaps Pasichnuk, when he returns, will wish to share more details about what’s surely been a trying last six months for him.

But if not, it’s good news that he’s appears to be over or is at least managing his health issues.