gor Chernyshov is selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 33rd overall pick during the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The San Jose Sharks signed forward Igor Chernyshov to a standard, entry-level contract on Thursday. The 18-year-old recently terminated his contract with Dynamo Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
"This is a very exciting moment. I am one step closer to my dream of playing in the NHL," Chernyshov told RG exclusively. "Special thanks to my home club, Dynamo, for helping me get closer to my dream. Now, I have a lot of work ahead of me. I must work hard, prove myself, and make the Sharks roster."
Chernyshov split the 2023-24 season between Dynamo in the KHL and MHK Dynamo Moscow in the MHL, recording four points in 34 KHL games and 28 points in 22 MHL games.
"Last season was a tremendous experience," Chernyshov said. "I played with grown men and gained experience every day—not only from the players but also from the coaches and staff. Before leaving, coach Alexei Kudashov gave me advice on how to train, how to behave to adapt, and so on."
San Jose selected Chernyshov 33rd overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. He was the first player selected on the second day of the draft. Shortly before the draft, Chernyshov attended Gold Star Hockey agency pre draft showcase, where he got a severe sunburn on the first day.
"Yes, it was my mistake," Chernyshov admitted. "I didn't keep an eye on myself. But I don't go on vacation often. I had hardly been anywhere before. I was so unaccustomed to it that I believed that nothing would happen to me. But that is not an excuse. After that, I missed a few training days because I couldn't skate, but I don't think it affected my position in the draft. Of course, it could have. But even if it was the case, it is not significant."
Chernyshov's immediate plans include getting a work visa and heading to Saginaw, where he will train until the Sharks' training camp starts in September.
"After the Sharks' training camp, I will probably go play in Saginaw, and then everything will depend on me," Chernyshov said. "Playing in the OHL is a great opportunity for me to prepare for the NHL. I talked to many guys who played there. Everyone says it is a good and strong league where you prove yourself."
Chernyshov mentioned meeting Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks' No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
"We trained on the same line," Chernyshov said. "I don't know English very well yet, but we exchanged a few phrases. It's hard for me to evaluate his game yet because I haven't seen his games. But he's a very well-rounded hockey player; he has everything: vision on the ice, shot, skills, skating, and puck control around the crease. This is a player without any weaknesses."
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
