Fresh off one of their most exhilarating wins of the season, the San Jose Sharks were met with a sobering counterbalance, as Ryan Warsofsky’s injury update brought cautious optimism for Will Smith but unresolved questions surrounding Philipp Kurashev.

Good And Bad

The Sharks met with the media for the first time since their stunning comeback victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, and head coach Ryan Warsofsky provided clarity on the injury situations surrounding Smith and Kurashev.

Smith is expected to miss the remainder of the week and will be re-evaluated on Monday. Warsofsky expressed optimism that the rookie avoided a worst-case scenario, noting that surgery is not on the table. While the injury was unsettling in the moment, the Sharks appear to have dodged a major bullet.

Kurashev’s injury is more serious. He has been listed as week-to-week, though Warsofsky stopped short of using language that would suggest a more troubling or long-term issue.

After reviewing the sequence that led to Smith’s injury, Warsofsky described the play as unfortunate rather than malicious. While it appeared concerning at first glance, a combination of poor timing and positioning can sometimes result in unintended outcomes.

“It comes down in an awkward spot on the power play, on the breakout. I think he loses the puck and tries to reach for it,” Warsofsky said. “It’s kind of one of those you don’t love, and especially when it’s your guy. But I don’t think it was extremely dirty by any means.”

Kurashev suffered his injury when he lost an edge chasing after the puck and crashed hard into the boards. He was officially ruled out with an upper-body injury.

As The Hockey News reported, Igor Chernyshov and Ethan Cardwell from the AHL's San Jose Barracuda to fill the void while Smith and Kurashev mend their injuries. Chernyshov will play on a line with Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf. 

“We’ll see what they can do. From the reports that we’ve gotten from watching him a little bit in the American League, he’s done some good things, on the scoresheet.” Warsofsky said of Chernyshov. “His play away from the puck. He’s been one of their best PK guys as well.

The 20-year-old Chernyshov has recorded 23 points, including 11 goals and 12 assists, in 25 games with the ’Cuda. A year ago, he averaged better than a point per game at the OHL level, producing 55 points (19 goals, 36 assists) in 23 games for the Saginaw Spirit.

Next Game

The Sharks (16-14-3) take on Nazem Kadri and the Calgary Flames (13-16-4) beginning at 7 p.m. local time from SAP Center.

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