If there is one thing the San Jose Sharks have done well over the past few years, it has been building an exceptional group of young talent. All eyes have been on Macklin Celebrini since he first debuted in the NHL, however there are plenty of other young stars within the organization. One in particular impressed last season, with fans begging for more of him: 20-year-old Igor Chernyshov.
Chernyshov has always excelled playing at high levels, going back to when he was just 15-years-old. In the 2021-2022 season, ahead of his 16th birthday, Chernyshov joined Dynamo Moscow U17. However, he quickly showed he needed tougher competition. In 13 games played in the U17 division, Chernyshov racked up a staggering 23 points (11G, 12A). Clearly needing a more competitive environment, that same season he jumped to the U18 team.
In only three games played with Dynamo Moscow U18, Igor Chernyshov wowed with 7 points (4G, 3A). Although he would not record any points, he was confident in his three playoff games played with the club. Chernyshov, though, still needed to up the challenge. Making his third level jump that same season, Chernyshov joined the Dynamo Moscow’s MHL team-essentially the Russian version of North America’s junior hockey system. Finally competing at a level up to his standard, 16-year-old Chernyshov recorded 11 points (7G, 4A) in 18 MHL games. He also was a major factor in the playoffs, scoring five goals in six games. Additionally, he'd also go on to win bronze for Russia in the U17 International Junior Games, putting up 6 points (3G, 3A) in eight games.
Having proven he was above the level of U18 play, Igor Chernyshov returned to the MHL in the 2022-2023 season. His proven leadership skills were rewarded this season, wearing the “A” for his team. He kept up his impressive production, notching 38 points (18G, 20A) in as many games. His skill even managed to catch the eye of the KHL’s (Russia’s professional hockey league) Dynamo Moscow, who called him up for five games (where he scored a goal). That season he again represented Russia in the International Junior Games, U18 this time, scoring 4 points (3G, 1A) in six games.
Going into his draft year, the 2023-2024 season, Chernyshov again would impress in the MHL. In 22 games, he managed 28 points (13G, 15A) and earned himself a spot in the MHL All-Star Game. In fact, he was so impressive in the MHL,wa the KHL invited him to participate in the KHL All-Star Game. He then joined the KHL in a more permanent role, playing 34 games for Dynamo Moscow and although he only put up 4 points (3G, 1A), he still impressed and skated in 10 playoff games. Making his name known in Russian hockey, Igor Chernyshov caught the eye of the San Jose Sharks scouts. That summer he was drafted 33rd overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, a draft which would include other big future players for the Sharks (like Macklin Celebrini and Sam Dickinson).
After being drafted, Chernyshov made the smart decision to take his play over to North America where he’d have more eyes on him. In the 2024-2025 season, Chernyshov joined the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. Aware of his prowess, the Spirit quickly placed Chernyshov on the wing of their top line alongside his now Sharks teammate, Michael Misa. Misa himself was nothing short of incredible this season, scoring an outstanding 134 points (62G, 72A) in 65 games, but Chernyshov was part of it. In his singular season in the OHL, taking no time to adjust from Russian hockey to North American hockey, he recorded an impressive 55 points (19G, 36A) in 23 games. He also helped lead Saginaw in the playoffs that season, registering 6 points (2G, 4A) in five games. Proving himself at every step of the way, Chernyshov then joined the San Jose Barracuda for two regular season games (notching an assist) and a playoff game (scoring a goal).
This past season, Chernyshov continued his hot-streak. Spending 41 games in the AHL, he managed 33 points (13G, 20A) and the title of the AHL’s November Rookie of the Month. He also even managed a goal in the Barracuda’s short playoff stint (two games) at the end of the season. Unsurprisingly, and much to the elation of Sharks fans, he got the call to the big leagues. In 28 games with the Sharks, Chernyshov impressed with 19 points (9G, 10A). This was even more remarkable considering a devastating concussion he sustained in his first shift back in the NHL following the Olympic break.
Igor Chernyshov has always been a special player, and last season he was incredibly fun to watch play on the left wing of Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini himself enjoyed playing with the large Russian, who stands at 6-foot-2 inches and 195 pounds, crediting his use of size and speed. Celebrini went on to say Chernyshov’s daunting presence seems to make opposing teams panic, as he doesn’t shy away from using his physicality.
However with this year’s second overall draft pick, Ivar Stenberg, incoming we might not see as much of the Chernyshov-Celebrini-Smith line combination. Head coach, Ryan Warsofsky, has repeatedly emphasized the need for players who can keep up with and support Celebrini. Ivar Stenberg is absolutely that type of player and, while Chernyshov definitely can fill a similar role, will likely welcome the support of that line to help ease his transition into the NHL. That’s not a bad thing though, as it would make that top line unstoppable and make the second line just as scary. Perhaps reuniting former Saginaw Spirit linemates, and top producers, Michael Misa and Igor Chernyshov on a line could spark something formidable.
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