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Vlasic missed Saturday’s game with an upper body injury

San Jose Sharks v Florida Panthers

SUNRISE, FL - JANUARY 16: Marc-Edouard Vlasic #44 of the San Jose Sharks skates prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on January 16, 2014 in Sunrise, Florida. The Sharks defeated the Panthers 3-0. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Marc-Edouard Vlasic

Joel Auerbach

San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic missed Saturday’s 5-4 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes due to an upper body injury.

That’s quite a different story than what was given to the media prior to puck drop.

According to CSN Bay Area’s Kevin Kurz, the Sharks announced pregame that Vlasic was scratched due to illness.

When asked postgame, Sharks’ coach Todd McLellan said the defenseman was scratched due to an upper body injury.

“About an hour before the game we found out,” said McLellan.

McLellan did not give a timeframe for Vlasic’s return to the lineup.

It’s unclear when the 27-year-old was hurt.

Vlasic took part in the team’s morning skate on Saturday and played 24 minutes registering an assist in Thursday’s 5-1 win over the Canucks.

Kurz points out that Vlasic did miss about 10 minutes of the Sharks’ 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night, but McLellan said that was equipment-related.

Vlasic has six goals and 17 points to go along with a team-high plus-15 rating in 52 games this season.

Scott Hannan took Vlasic’s spot in the lineup Saturday and finished with an assist in over 22 minutes of ice time.

The Sharks return to action Monday when they play host to the Flames.

Follow @dcmahiban