Will Smith Hockey Sparks Sharks Recall Of Igor Chernyshov Amid Goalie Shuffle
The San Jose Sharks have recalled forward Igor Chernyshov, a move tied to roster disruptions that previously included the absence of Will Smith and a newly announced minor injury to goalie Yaroslav Askarov. Will Smith Hockey figures into the team’s roster history and helped create the earlier opening that gave Chernyshov his first NHL opportunity.
Chernyshov Returns To NHL Roster
Igor Chernyshov was recalled from the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda and could be in the lineup for the Sharks’ next game against the Montreal Canadiens this weekend. The 20-year-old left winger had been traveling to the East Coast after registering one assist in the Barracuda’s 4-1 win over the San Diego Gulls at Tech CU Arena the night before his recall.
This marks Chernyshov’s second NHL recall. He previously appeared in 15 games for the Sharks between Dec. 16 and Jan. 19 when the club was without forwards Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev, posting three goals and eight assists while averaging 15: 47 of ice time. With a 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame, he was the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 draft and has been a top contributor at the AHL level, ranking fourth on the Barracuda with 33 points in 41 games.
Goaltending Shake-Up After Askarov Injury
Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov was unavailable for a game at TD Garden after he “tweaked something” before the team’s morning skate in Boston, and the coaching staff described the issue as minor. To cover the vacancy, the Sharks added goalie Kyle Chauvette on an amateur-tryout contract to back up starter Alex Nedeljkovic for the short term.
The club has handled similar short-term goalie absences before: earlier in the season, when Askarov battled an illness on a road trip, the team signed another amateur-tryout goaltender to serve as the backup; that emergency netminder did not ultimately enter the game.
Roster Context And Playoff Implications
The recall comes as the Sharks navigate a challenging stretch on the road. The team was playing the second game of a five-game road trip that began with a 6-3 loss, has won three of its last 11 games, and sat one point behind a Western Conference wild-card rival with 66 points. San Jose had lost five straight games away from home and faced a Boston club that had been dominant at home earlier in the week.
With multiple roster adjustments — including recalls and amateur-tryout signings — the Sharks are managing injuries and availability while trying to protect their position in the wild-card race. Chernyshov’s recall provides another option up front, and his prior NHL experience filling in during absences suggests he could step in quickly if needed.
What To Watch Next
Key developments to monitor include the status of Askarov after the team’s Boston stop, whether Chernyshov is inserted into the lineup against Montreal, and any further short-term moves to stabilize the backup-goalie situation. The club’s immediate roster decisions will shape its capacity to navigate the remainder of the road trip and remain competitive in the wild-card hunt.
The Sharks described the goaltender’s injury as minor, and Chernyshov’s recall follows earlier periods when absences of players such as Will Smith opened NHL opportunities for him; uncertainties about playing status and recovery timelines remain labeled as developing.
