San Jose Sharks forward Igor Chernyshov exits game against Ottawa Senators with injury

During Thursday night's matchup in Kanata, Ontario, San Jose Sharks forward Igor Chernyshov was forced to leave the game against the Ottawa Senators following a blocked shot late in the first period. The 20-year-old winger was visibly in pain as he headed down the tunnel toward the dressing room.

The incident occurred with just over four minutes remaining in the opening period while the puck was in the San Jose zone. Chernyshov stepped in front of a powerful slap shot from Senators defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo, taking the impact directly to his left arm or hand.

After the play, Chernyshov remained on the ice for a few moments before skating over to the team bench. He stayed there briefly while visibly struggling to carry his stick, and then retreated to the locker room accompanied by a trainer.

During the first intermission, the San Jose coaching staff and organization officially announced that Chernyshov was doubtful to return to the contest due to an upper-body injury. Further evaluations from the medical staff are expected to provide a more thorough update in the coming days.

Chernyshov is currently navigating what appears to be his first full season in the National Hockey League, having previously appeared in 28 games for the Sharks last season. Across his first 10 games of the 2026-27 season, he has recorded two goals and two assists.

Throughout the early part of the season, the young forward has seen his role fluctuate across the lineup. He spent a significant portion of his time in the top-six group—recently skating alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith—while also logging minutes on the fourth line.

Following Chernyshov's departure, the Sharks adjusted their forward lines for the remainder of the game. Collin Graf was elevated to the top line alongside Celebrini and Smith, while Ty Dellandrea stepped in to replace Graf as the third-line center.

The injury adds to existing roster concerns for San Jose, which is already playing without another key forward. Center Alex Verwaltungs is currently sidelined and listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury.