The Saginaw Spirit are rolling and the team has been given a massive offensive boost in the form of San Jose Sharks Russian prospect Igor Chernyshov.

The Saginaw Spirit have won their last three games, scoring a total of 16 goals. Their burst of offense has been led by the OHL's leading scorer Michael Misa and Calgary Flames 2024 first-rounder Zayne Parekh. 

However, a new NHL-affiliated prospect has entered the frame, and he has made an immediate impact. 

San Jose Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov made his OHL debut last Thursday, Jan. 30. He was selected by the Sharks as the first pick in the second round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. 

Saginaw drafted the Russian forward 56th overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He got out of his KHL contract to come overseas and continue his development in the OHL. 

Unfortunately, Chernyshov underwent shoulder surgery in late August, sidelining him until now. However, he didn't waste any time getting on the scoresheet, scoring on his first shift and his first shot less than one minute into his debut. 

Later in his first game, he showcased his powerful release from range, scoring with a lethal wrister from distance for his second of the night. 

The team is already using him on their number one powerplay unit, to really no surprise, considering how skillful of a player he is. 

Chernyshov positions himself on the left flank during the power play, where he is a significant one-timer threat. 

However, it was his playmaking ability that contributed to Misa's 40th goal of the season on Feb. 1. Igor delivered a precise cross-ice pass that set up his captain for the score.

Then, with his team down by one halfway through the third period against one of the top teams in the league Kitchener, the Sharks prospect made a crafty, perfectly placed snap shot in motion to tie the game up for his third goal in two games. 

Saginaw had another tough matchup the other night on Wednesday, Feb. 5, taking on the second-place Windsor Spitfires. 

And guess what, Igor Chernyshov was at it again, making not just Spirit fans happy, but sending a message to San Jose fans that they got another high-end prospect coming up in their ranks. 

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound winger posted another two goals and added an assist in the Spirit's 6-3 win over Windsor. 

Saginaw traded a lot of key pieces at the trade deadline, but they are a sneaky good team heading into the 2025 OHL playoffs. They are well-coached and have a lot of talent in their lineup. 

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