San Jose Sharks top prospect has his contract terminated

In a significant move, Russian prospect Igor Chernyshov, selected 33rd overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, has decided to terminate his contract with KHL club Dynamo Moscow and will be heading to North America for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This decision marks a major step in Chernyshov's career as he looks to transition from the KHL to the North American hockey scene.

The news was reported by Sergey Demidov, a journalist for the NHL's Russian site, who confirmed that Chernyshov is set to make the jump across the Atlantic.

While Demidov's post suggested that Chernyshov is bound for the NHL, it's more likely that he will begin his North American career with the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Another potential route for the 18-year-old winger is the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he could gain valuable experience playing junior hockey. The Saginaw Spirit, an OHL team, selected Chernyshov in the second round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, providing another option for his development.

Chernyshov's decision to move to North America aligns with a growing trend among top international prospects seeking to adjust to the North American style of play and gain exposure to NHL scouts and coaches. The move will allow the Sharks to closely monitor his progress and help him adapt to the nuances of the NHL game.

Last season, Chernyshov showcased his skills in both the KHL and the MHL (Russia's junior league). In 34 games with Dynamo Moscow's KHL team, the Penza native recorded four points (three goals, one assist), nine penalty minutes, and a minus-three rating. He demonstrated his offensive potential with Dynamo's junior team, amassing 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in just 22 games.

For the San Jose Sharks, having Chernyshov in North America represents a valuable opportunity to further develop one of their top prospects. The Sharks, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, will benefit from Chernyshov's proximity as they evaluate and cultivate their young talent for the future.

As Chernyshov embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on how he adjusts and develops in his first season playing North American hockey. His progress will be crucial for the Sharks as they look to build a competitive team in the coming years.