The San Jose Sharks are grappling with significant injuries to two of their prominent forwards, as Philipp Kurashev is now classified as week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Will Smith’s return remains uncertain, prompting discussions of potential surgery. Coach Ryan Warsofsky faces the task of navigating the team’s immediate future without these key players.
Both Kurashev and Smith were placed on injured reserve following their exits during the Sharks’ game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 3, 2024. Kurashev, aged 26, sustained his injury midway through the second period after crashing into the boards. He managed to skate to the bench but later walked to the dressing room for further evaluation. Smith, 20, was injured in the third period when he was hit hard into the boards by defenseman Parker Wotherspoon, immediately signaling distress as he clutched his right arm.
Despite the injuries, the Sharks managed a remarkable comeback to secure a 6-5 overtime victory against the Penguins. Smith entered the week as the Sharks’ second-leading scorer, with 29 points in 33 games, while Kurashev had contributed 15 points in 31 games this season.
As the Sharks brace for their next matchup against the Calgary Flames, they have recalled forwards Igor Chernyshov and Ethan Cardwell from the AHL’s Barracuda. Chernyshov, who has been a standout with 23 points in 25 games, is set to make his NHL debut, starting on the top line alongside fellow prospects Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf. Cardwell, with nine points in 14 games, will take his position on the third line with veteran winger Jeff Skinner, who is marking his 1,100th NHL game, and center Ty Dellandrea.
The Sharks will look to build on their recent momentum as they embark on a three-game homestand, starting with their encounter against the Flames. With key players sidelined, the team’s depth will be tested as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league. Updates on Smith’s condition will be forthcoming as he undergoes further evaluation by the Sharks’ medical staff following his injury.
