SAN JOSE — Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic, speaking publicly for the first time Tuesday about his recovery from a head injury he suffered Nov. 1, seemed to raise questions about the effectiveness of the NHL’s baseline tests for concussions.

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Sharks reach agreement with depth centerman on two-year deal “It’s just a written test,” Vlasic said of the written exam that took him about 45 minutes to complete. “In order for me to fail that, I’d have to be in a coma. … The baseline cannot show how I’m feeling.”

“I could easily do it if I’m concussed,” Vlasic later added.

All signs point to Vlasic being able to return for Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at SAP Center after a one-game absence. Vlasic suffered the head injury in the third period of the Sharks’ game against the Nashville Predators on a check by Ryan Johansen.

Vlasic said he took the post-concussion baseline test last weekend and passed it with “flying colors.” He’s been a full participant in practice the last two days, including Tuesday’s roughly 45-minute skate.

The concussion baseline program begins with players being tested at the start of training camp when they are healthy. Post-concussion, they are given similar tests to see if their scores are the same or if there has been loss in mental function. Get Sharks news in your inbox. Sign up now for the free Sharks Report newsletter.

Despite his critique of the test, Vlasic insisted he won’t suit up Wednesday unless he’s healthy enough to play. He understands the long-term risks of playing with a head injury.

“It’s being honest with yourself,” Vlasic said. “Everybody wants to play, but if you get hit again, you might not play for the rest of your life. So, the test is just a guideline.”

Vlasic missed Saturday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks, as Brenden Dillon assumed a spot on the Sharks’ second defense pair with Justin Braun in San Jose’s 2-1 shootout win. Joakim Ryan remained on a pair with Brent Burns and Dylan DeMelo was inserted into the lineup with Tim Heed. Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.

Vlasic said slept fine the night of the incident and did not have to go to the hospital. He has felt normal since he began to skate again on Saturday.

“Do I feel fortunate it wasn’t worse? No. Do I feel unlucky that it happened? Yes,” Vlasic said. “It could have been better, it could have been worse. I don’t start playing those games.

“It’s not a broken bone where it’s a certain amount of time. Some guys it last two days, some guys it lasts two years. Some guys are still not playing because of it.”

Asked what he makes of the NHL’s concussion protocol, Vlasic said, “It’s great. It’s what the league wanted, so it must be great.”

Vlasic takes a hit to the head as Johansen comes in high, rattles the #SJSharks defender's head off the glass. pic.twitter.com/OtmEPgsjeG — Zachary DeVine (@zakkthebear) November 2, 2017

Keep in mind, Vlasic has recently criticized the NHL for its decision to skip the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and its crackdown on slashing, suggesting it’s a cheap way to increase scoring. His praise of the league’s concussion protocol seemed to come with a pinch of sarcasm.

If Vlasic plays Wednesday, he and Braun will likely be matched up against the Lightning’s top line of center Steven Stamkos and wingers Nikita Kucherov and Vladislav Namestnikov, who have combined for 62 points in 15 games.

• Center Joe Thornton was given a maintenance day Tuesday and did not practice. Thornton also left Monday’s practice early and did not take part in the team’s three-on-three tournament, but Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said he expects Thornton to play against the Lightning.

• Forward Jannik Hansen, a healthy scratch for the last six games, might return to the lineup against the Lightning. Hansen skated on the Sharks’ fourth line Tuesday with Barclay Goodrow and Joel Ward. With Thornton out, Ryan Carpenter skated on the Sharks’ top line with Joe Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi.

Staff writer Paul Gackle contributed to this story.