Igor Chernyshov was drafted 33rd overall by the San Jose Sharks at the 2024 NHL Draft and missed the start of the season with a shoulder injury.
The organization viewed Chernyshov as a first-round pick who fell into San Jose’s lap, and Mike Grier did not hesitate to select the Russian forward.
The 19-year-old left Russia early by terminating the last year of his KHL contract, was drafted by the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit 56th overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, and signed his entry-level deal with the Sharks.
Chernyshov’s injury required surgery right before training camp began, so he missed most of the season. In January, he was spotted around the San Jose Sharks practice facility rehabbing with the NHL training staff.
He would make his Spirit debut on Jan. 30 and made an instant impact with two goals, including one on his first shot, which came on his very first shift.
In eight games this season, Chernyshov has scored in seven games (11 total goals) and has 12 assists (10 primary) for 23 points.
Against fellow San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty and the Sudbury Wolves on Saturday, Chernyshov had a goal and four assists, all of which were primary assists.
Chernyshov is on pace to play 23 games for the Saginaw Spirit this season and finish with 32 goals and 35 assists. It is highly doubtful he keeps this pace up, but it certainly isn’t impossible.
Chernyshov has been deployed on the wing of Michael Misa, a potential No. 1 and undoubtedly top-five pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Misa leads the OHL in scoring with 106 points (50 goals, 56 assists) in 50 games.
Remember, the forward is 19, playing in his first season in North America, and was surprisingly available at pick No. 33 for Mike Grier and the San Jose Sharks at the 2024 NHL Draft.
Igor Chernyshov’s OHL game log:
2G, 2PTS
1G, 1A, 2PTS
2G, 1A, 3PTS
1G, 1A, 2PTS
2G, 3A, 5PTS
2G, 2A, 4PTS
0PTS
1G, 4A, 5PTSTotal: 8GP, 11G, 12A, 23PTS#TheFutureIsTeal
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) February 16, 2025
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