Igor Chernyshov has two assists in his first two NHL games, and playing on the San Jose Sharks’ top line has opened some eyes for Macklin Celebrini and coach Ryan Warsofsky.

Celebrini and Chernyshov helped create Collin Graf’s second goal against the Dallas Stars on Thursday.

Despite the good play, Celebrini recognizes that there is still more chemistry to build. Chernyshov’s English is still a work in progress, although it has improved tremendously; hockey words don’t need to be taught.

“It’s gonna take some time,” Celebrini said. “Like anything, but it’s been great. I mean, we connected more yesterday. The more you play with someone, the easier it is to play off of them.”

Chernyshov has shown his size, speed, and desire to get to the front of the net. All three attributes excite the San Jose Sharks’ top center and how good they could be.

“He can skate like the wind. He’s obviously a big body and can shoot the puck hard, so he’s been great,” Celebrini said. “I love playing with him, just his size and the way he uses [that and] his speed, he’s always pushing defense back.”

Warsofsky has been impressed with the Sharks prospect’s first two games. After Tuesday’s 6-3 win over the Calgary Flames, Warsofsky told reporters he didn’t think the moment of his NHL debut was too big for Chernyshov.

Now, after two strong performances, what does the Sharks’ bench boss see from Chernyshov and Celebrini?

“They’ve had their moments. They’ve [also] had some moments where they need to improve in some areas. Whether that’s away from the puck, whether that’s in their own end, but you see the hype, high ceiling of this young man,” Warsofsky said. “The potential he’s got with the frame, the pace, the size, he can hold on to pucks. There are still some areas we need to improve, but you see some glimpses of some really impressive things.”

Former NHL power forward Rick Nash could be a player to compare the San Jose Sharks’ young winger to. Nash could hold on to pucks well, play strong defense, and use his size to his advantage in the offensive zone. While Chernyshov is likely a better skater than Nash was, the ability to push defenses back is impressive.

Warsofsky told reporters that he doesn’t want to compare the forward to any NHL power forward, but rather the playstyle in general.

“I don’t know if I really want to put names on it, but there is a power forward profile there,” Warsofsky said after being asked if Nash was a good comparison for Chernyshov.

The San Jose Sharks will look to get back to their winning ways against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. Warsofsky noted at the end of practice on Friday that there could be some tweaks to the forward lines. The top line could stay intact, based on the play of the past two games.

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