When the Sharks sent down Igor Chernyshov back on January 22nd, it was a bit of a surprise. While the 20-year-old russian wing was one of the only waiver-exempt forwards on the roster, making him easy to move down without waivers, especially being close to the Olympic break, and allowing him to get games in the AHL while the league is on ice. His 11 points in 15 games at the NHL level were impressive, and he was a big part of the Sharks’ success on the ice for most of his stretch with the team. That success cratered when he was sent down.

Chernyshov has done nothing but impress this season. After a slow training camp, Chernyshov has put up 27 points in 31 games at the AHL to go along with his NHL success, and has been praised around the league, vaulting himself into the top 20 of the Athletics U-23 NHL players. And when you watch him play, you can see why.

Chernyshov has all the tools to be an impact power forward; he has a tantalizing combination of size and speed that scouts dream of, to go along with tons of skill and hockey sense that make Chernyshov a dangerous offensive threat, and a perfect complementary piece to the Sharks’ collection of young forwards in Celebrini, Smith, and Misa. Chernyshov had instant chemistry with Celebrini when he was called up (as most players do), and his history with Misa in the OHL should have Sharks fans excited about what’s to come from him. 

That future should start soon for the Sharks, however. While Chernyshov is still very young, and isn’t going to be hurt by playing top minutes in the AHL, he is currently one of the Sharks best top 9 forwards, and as good as players like Kurashev, Regenda, and Gaudette have been in stretches in the top 9 this season, none of them have the same upside Chernyshov does when they are in the lineup. And with the Sharks battling for a playoff spot, one of their biggest additions post-trade deadline could just be getting Igor Chernyshov back in the fold by moving off of a forward or 2 at the deadline. 

It’s an exciting time for the Sharks, who have an envious collection of young players. Chernyshov has made himself known as a key part of that group and will be a major part of the Sharks’ return to playoff contention.Â