KANATA, Ontario – San Jose Sharks forward Igor Chernyshov will miss some time after he left Thursday’s game against the Ottawa Senators with an injury after blocking a shot late in the first period.
With the puck in the Sharks zone and just over four minutes left in the first period, Chernyshov got in front of a slap shot from Senators defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo and appeared to be hit in the left arm or hand. Chernyshov stayed on the ice for a few seconds before the Sharks cleared the zone, then skated toward the bench.
Chernyshov stayed there for a few seconds in obvious pain before he retreated to the Sharks dressing room with a trainer.
The Sharks announced before the second period that Chernyshov was doubtful to return. The Sharks moved Collin Graf to the top line with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, and Ty Dellandrea replaced Graf as the third-line center.
After the Sharks beat the Senators 6-2 for their third win in five games on this trip, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said, “I think (Chernyshov’s) going to be out here a little bit, so we’ll have a better update (Friday).”
Chernyshov entered Thursday with two goals and two assists in 10 games. The Sharks moved him to the top line before the Oct. 13 game against the Boston Bruins. Since then, he’s recorded one assist and seven shots on goal.
Chernyshov doubtful to return after blocking this Matinpalo one-timer. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/bdri1zuHqm
— SnipeCity420 (@SnipeCity420) October 23, 2026
The Sharks are already without another key forward as center Alex Wennberg is now considered week-to-week with an upper-body injury.
The Sharks are 3-1-1 on the road trip, which ends with Saturday’s game in Boston against the Bruins.
“We’ll try to close this out the right way and get home,” Warsofsky said. “It’s been a long trip. I think we still have better hockey ahead of us. I truly believe that, and I think our group’s excited to go to Boston.”