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Jason Demers is ‘chomping at the bit’ to return

jasondemersgetty

The San Jose Sharks have had some luck with moving an offensive defenseman to the forward position with Brent Burns. Perhaps lightning can strike twice with Jason Demers?

Head coach Todd McLellan didn’t make that comparison after the 24-year-old skated with the forward group instead of the blueliners on Monday, but Demers does have some experience playing in that position earlier in his career. He told the team Web site that he’ll do what it takes to get back in the lineup, as long as the injured young player is physically ready.

“I feel good,” Demers said. “It’s just a question of getting back into game shape. As soon as you do a couple of shifts, especially in this kind of series, you’ll be in shape real quick. I’m just helping out wherever I can and going where they tell me to go.”

McLellan admitted that dressing seven defensemen and giving Demers the occasional forward shift is a possibility.

“It’s an option as he gets healthier and times go on,” McLellan said.

It sounds like Demers is OK with jumping through a few hoops if it means getting into this series.

“It’s a great series right now,” Demers said. “We could easily be up 2-1. It could easily be the other way around, for sure, but it’s been a great series, good rivalry. Both teams are playing great, at a top level. Just watching from the stands, you’re anxious to get out on the ice. For sure, I’m chomping at the bit a little bit.”