san jose sharks igor chernyshov left Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens after a collision that sent him to the dressing room early in the first period; he had been recalled from the San Jose Barracuda on Thursday and was released from hospital before travelling with the team to Ottawa on Sunday. The 20-year-old winger collided with Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson roughly 20 seconds into the game, slid headfirst along the ice and was helped off by team staff. The Sharks announced he would not return to the game.
San Jose Sharks Igor Chernyshov
Chernyshov was on the ice for just one shift — roughly 20–28 seconds into the first period — when the contact occurred. He left the arena and went straight to the dressing room after struggling to get up, needing assistance from a trainer and teammate. The club confirmed the forward did not return for the remainder of the contest.
Stat lines from the season were noted when he was recalled: Chernyshov had three goals and 11 points in 16 NHL games this season, and in the American Hockey League with the San Jose Barracuda he registered 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 points in 41 games.
Injury scene and immediate reactions
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky, head coach, said: “A scary situation and we kind of knew he was going to be OK. ” Warsofsky added that Chernyshov was released from the hospital after the collision. Sharks defenceman Vincent Desharnais, defenceman, said: “I just saw him down, I saw him try to get up and clearly he was not doing well, so I just tried to skate as fast I could and just trying to help him calm down. ” Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson, defenceman, said: “I kind of left the play and it kind of went the other way and made it all the way to the other zone before I realized he was even down. Then I turned around and saw him kind of stumbling and so definitely pretty scary. Not something you want to see and hopefully he’s OK. ” Sharks defenceman Mario Ferraro, defenceman, added: “You hate to see stuff like that happen. He’s played so well being up here. He just got called up. We’re excited and happy to have him, so it’s tough seeing that happen that early in the game, especially. “
Background and what’s next
Chernyshov was the Sharks’ 33rd overall draft pick in 2024 and had spent the majority of the 2025-26 campaign in the AHL before being recalled Thursday. He had previously played in the Ontario Hockey League and the KHL system prior to turning pro, and was playing on the first line when he was injured.
After being released from hospital, san jose sharks igor chernyshov travelled with the team to Ottawa for the next game. The club will monitor his condition and make any roster or medical updates as they become available while the team continues its schedule.
