The San Jose Sharks have drafted Igor Chernyshov to start off Day 2 of the NHL Draft. Chernyshov was expected to go in the first round on some boards, so it’s a good value for pick 33 for the Sharks. He joins a strong young forward group for the Sharks that includes Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Quentin Musty, Filip Bystedt and William Eklund.
Chernyshov is a 6-foot-2, 196 pound Russian winger who knows how to use his body. He’s already played against men in the KHL. He played for Dynamo Moscow in 2022-23 and 2023-24. In the 2023-24 season, he had four points in 34 games, so he has room to grow.
The good news for the Sharks is his contract in the KHL is only signed through 2024-25, which means he could be over and playing with the Barracuda as soon as the 2025-26 season.
What scouts say about Chernyshov
Scouts like Chernyshov. In March, Corey Pronman of The Athletic had Chernyshov 14th on his list.
“He’s a big, powerful winger who skates well and has a lot of offensive creativity. He beats defenders routinely with his one-on-one plays, sees the ice well and can create at the net,” wrote Pronman. “He’s not going to run players over with his physical play, but he uses his body to create offense. He has the ability to control play at even strength due to his variety of tools and looks the part of a potential strong top-six winger in the NHL.”
Sam Cosentino of Sportsnet had Chernyshov as 20th on his list.
“Chernyshov brings a combination of size and skill,” wrote Cosentino. “He has a gear through the neutral zone in transition and his most attractive element is his potential offensive upside, especially on the power play. Overall, Chernyshov is best described as equal parts shooter and distributor.”
Fear the Fin will continue to follow Day 2 of the NHL draft and have better, in-depth looks at the newest Sharks’ draftees soon.
