Joakim Ryan has been sent down to the San Jose Barracuda. The 24-year-old defender did not make the Sharks’ opening night roster, but has played in 24 games for the big club so far this season, after Paul Martin was placed on Injured Reserved earlier this year.

Ryan was initially a stop gap solution to Martin’s absence, skating on the top pairing with Brent Burns. It’s been clear that he offers more than a temporary solution in his time with the Sharks so far. In his NHL debut, he set a franchise record and NHL rookie record for most blocked shots in a single game, stopping nine from the Nashville Predators. Though he’s been searching for the first NHL goal, he’s been responsible defensively and has notched three assists.

Lately, Dylan DeMelo has been cycling back into the line up, leaving Ryan as the only defensemen who is waivers-exempt and therefore eligible to be sent down at no risk. Martin is still on a conditioning stint with the Barracuda and will have to return to the Sharks by Saturday.

Mikkel Boedker has also been activated from Injured Reserve. He’s been out with an undisclosed injury since December 2nd. He’ll be in tonight’s line up against the Edmonton Oilers.