Sharks Recall 20-Year-Old Igor Chernyshov From AHL Barracuda

The San Jose Sharks recalled Igor Chernyshov from the AHL San Jose Barracuda on March 12, bringing back a 20-year-old who had already proven he belonged at the NHL level before the move was even necessary.

Chernyshov, the No. 33 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, appeared in 15 NHL games earlier this season and posted 11 points on three goals and eight assists. His first seven career games produced seven points, and he was particularly productive during December 2025. His last NHL appearance before the recall came January 19 against the Florida Panthers. The stint back in the AHL, where he was one of the Barracuda's leading scorers, ended when San Jose decided his play down the stretch warranted another look.

The recall had two competing explanations. William Eklund missed practice March 11 with a lower-body injury, and while he did play against Boston on March 12, the Sharks appeared to have kept the recall in motion as a precaution. San Jose Hockey Now framed it differently: with 15 NHL-caliber forwards already in the lineup, the team technically had no opening, but Chernyshov had simply been too productive to leave in the AHL any longer.

His original demotion in mid-January came after Will Smith returned to the lineup and Pavol Regenda emerged as a consistent option, leaving Chernyshov as the odd man out. He later drew a healthy scratch when Adam Gaudette re-entered the lineup against Tampa Bay.

Chernyshov did not play against the Bruins on March 12. The Sharks were working out his travel arrangements, with plans for him to meet the team in Boston before traveling to Montreal for a March 14 game against the Canadiens. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed he would be in the lineup that night, though he cautioned that morning skate line combinations might shift before puck drop.

At morning skate in Montreal, Chernyshov lined up alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. San Jose Hockey Now called it "a line of the future for Team Teal," noting that Smith's finesse, Chernyshov's 6-foot-2 power game, and Celebrini's all-around ability formed a blend that the organization has been building toward. All three players were 20 years old or younger at the time, with Smith set to turn 21 on St. Patrick's Day.

Chernyshov spent all of his pre-draft development in Russia before choosing to sign with San Jose immediately and make the jump to North American hockey. His performance across both levels this season suggests that choice is paying off faster than most second-round picks manage.