MONTREAL — San Jose Sharks winger Igor Chernyshov won’t return to Saturday’s game after suffering an injury 20 seconds into the game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Chernyshov was along the left boards and was taken out scarily by Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson. Chernyshov would smash into the ice with his head face down before attempting to get up and falling over three to four times.
Here’s the clip of the San Jose Sharks forward’s injury; it is an ugly one, so viewer discretion is advised. The broadcast did not show the multiple attempts that Chernyshov took to get up, which is for the better.
No penalty was called on the play, and there was a brief delay while the blood on the ice was cleaned.
Chernyshov was playing in his first NHL game since January as the forward was recalled from the San Jose Barracuda on Thursday. He was skating on the Sharks’ top line with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Chernyshov practiced on the left flank of the San Jose Sharks’ second power-play unit at the morning skate.
At the moment, no further update can be provided on Chernyshov. The Sharks and Canadiens finished the first period tied at one.
Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that Chernyshov was sent to the hospital for further evaluation. The winger was discharged and is back with the team. Chernyshov will travel with the club to Ottawa on Saturday night.
Warsofsky confirmed Chernyshov went to the hospital. Chernyshov is back with the #SJSharks and will travel to Ottawa with the team.
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) March 15, 2026
“I don’t think the player is trying to do that. I probably think it may be an interference penalty when you look at it, but I don’t think Matheson is trying to play that type of hockey,” Warsofsky said about the hit.