The San Jose Sharks announced they have sent down top forward prospect Igor Chernyshov back to the American Hockey League.
Chernyshov, 20, has 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 15 games this season. The rookie burst onto the scene with an explosion of offense, with eight points in his first seven games. Despite the hot start, the Sharks have opted to send the winger down to the San Jose Barracuda.
The winger was a healthy scratch in the Sharks’ last game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with coach Ryan Warsofsky stating the team was managing his minutes. Managing play time for a young player on the Sharks isn’t unheard of. Michael Misa, Sam Dickinson, and Will Smith (last season) have all been scratched as part of a development plan.
The San Jose Sharks are beginning to get healthy again. Shakir Mukhamadullin skated in practice on Thursday. Warsofsky considers him day-to-day. Philipp Kurashev joined the team at the end of the Sharks’ four-game road trip, but is a little further behind.
“Probably not an option early in the [upcoming] trip, but maybe later in the trip,” Warsofsky said of Kurashev.
After hosting the New York Rangers on Friday, the San Jose Sharks head out for a five-game road trip, leading directly into the Olympic break. As roster space remains limited, the eventual returns of Mukhamadullin, Kurashev, and, eventually, Ty Dellandrea, the Sharks had to decide on more flexibility. Chernyshov isn’t waiver-eligible, making his assignment to the AHL easier than, say, Pavol Regenda.
Chernyshov proved he can play in the NHL, but getting him top-line minutes in the AHL is arguably still the best place for his development.