The San Jose Sharks faced some setbacks following their Saturday comeback win against Pittsburgh, as forwards Will Smith and Filip Kurashev both suffered upper-body injuries and will be placed on injured reserve, sidelining them for at least the next three games. Initially set for a Monday practice, head coach Ryan Warsofsky decided to give the team an extra rest day. After learning about the injuries, the Sharks called up Ethan Cardwell and Igor Chernyshov from their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda.
Chernyshov, just 20 years old, is set to make his NHL debut on Tuesday against the Calgary Flames. The left winger, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, has nearly averaged a point per game for the Cudas this season, tallying 11 goals and 12 assists in 25 games. Drafted 33rd overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Chernyshov earned the AHL Rookie of the Month title in November due to his skill and speed on the ice.
Cardwell is no stranger to NHL call-ups this season, marking his second after playing 10 games and scoring two goals, including one versus the Seattle Kraken on November 5th. As for Smith and Kurashev, there is hope for positive updates from coach Warsofsky during Tuesday’s morning skate.
San Jose aims to extend their winning streak to three games as they prepare for a challenging match. Their last game saw a remarkable comeback from a four-point deficit in the final 10 minutes, though they ultimately lost 6-5 in overtime to Sidney Crosby’s Penguins.
Fan Take: This injury update is a critical moment for Sharks fans, revealing the resilience and depth of the team as they bring fresh talent like Chernyshov into the spotlight. For hockey enthusiasts, it highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport and the exciting potential of emerging players making their mark under pressure.
