The San Jose Sharks held their first media availability since the incredible comeback against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters updates on the injuries to Philipp Kurashev and Will Smith.
“[Smith] will be out through the week. He’ll get re-evaluated on Monday,” Warsofsky said. “[Kurashev] is week to week here, a little bit longer.”
Smith out through the week. To be reevaluated on Monday. Kurashev out week-to-week #SJSharks
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) December 16, 2025
It would appear the Sharks dodged a bullet with at least Smith’s injury. The head coach said he doesn’t believe that Smith will need any surgery. As for Kurashev, it will be longer-term than Smith’s, but it doesn’t sound overly serious. Warsofsky wasn’t able to give a clear timeline of how long week-to-week meant.
The Sharks coach said he was able to take another look at the hit on Smith and felt it was awkward, but not dirty.
“It comes down in an awkward spot on the power play, on the breakout. I think he loses the puck and tries to reach for it,” Warsofsky said. “It’s kind of one of those you don’t love, and especially when it’s your guy. But I don’t think it was extremely dirty by any means.”
Igor Chernyshov will be the first beneficiary of the open lineup spots. He’ll play on a line with Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf.
“We’ll see what they can do. From the reports that we’ve gotten from watching him a little bit in the American League, he’s done some good things, on the scoresheet.” Warsofsky said of Chernyshov. “His play away from the puck. He’s been one of their best PK guys as well.”
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