The San Jose Sharks have signed Igor Chernyshov to his first NHL contract.
Chernyshov just ended his deal with Dynamo Moscow in the KHL and is moving to North America for the 2024-25 season. Despite this new contract, he’s unlikely to make the Sharks’ starting lineup right away. Instead, he might play for the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit or join the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. The Spirit picked him 56th overall in the recent OHL Import Draft.
His draft journey was surprising. TSN’s Bob McKenzie thought he’d go mid-to-late first round, but he slipped to the second round where the Sharks grabbed him at 33rd overall. Fans might think this could be a sneaky good pick for San Jose . Over three seasons with MHL’s Dynamo Moscow, Chernyshov scored 38 goals and had 77 points in 78 games. He even got a shot at playing in the KHL before turning 18, scoring four goals and one assist in 39 games.
Sharks’ Future Plans:
Signing Chernyshov so soon after drafting him shows he’s eager for an NHL chance. But sending him to the OHL might feel like a step back after facing top talent in Russia recently. Curtis Pashelka from San Jose Hockey Now says that decisions about his future will be made soon.
Fans are likely excited but curious about how quickly he’ll adapt and rise through the ranks .
What do you think? Will Chernyshov become a key player for the Sharks?
