The San Jose Sharks are facing a challenging situation as forwards Philipp Kurashev and Will Smith have both been placed on injured reserve due to upper-body injuries. Kurashev is expected to be sidelined for a period of time, described as week to week, while Smith’s condition remains uncertain, with the possibility of surgery not yet ruled out.
Coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that Smith, who suffered his injury during the third period of a recent game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, will miss at least this week. Smith’s injury occurred with 16:30 remaining in the final period when he collided with defenseman Parker Wotherspoon. Following the hit, Smith left the ice while visibly nursing his right arm. Warsofsky noted that Smith will be reevaluated by the Sharks’ medical staff on Monday, but he suggested that surgery is not an immediate consideration.
Kurashev’s injury occurred earlier in the same game. The 26-year-old forward crashed into the end boards midway through the second period and was unable to return. He initially skated to the bench but soon walked back to the dressing room, prompting further concern regarding his health.
Both players were crucial to the Sharks’ scoring lineup, with Smith leading the team as its second-highest scorer with 29 points in 33 games, while Kurashev contributed 15 points in 31 games this season. Their absence is significant as the Sharks look to maintain momentum in the league.
In response to the injuries, the Sharks have called up forwards Igor Chernyshov and Ethan Cardwell from the AHL’s Barracuda. Chernyshov, who has been performing well in the AHL with 23 points in 25 games, is set to make his NHL debut against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. He will join top-line players Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf. Cardwell, with 9 points in 14 games, will start on the third line alongside veteran winger Jeff Skinner, who is set to play his 1,100th NHL game.
The Sharks are currently navigating a three-game homestand, and the upcoming games will be crucial as they adjust to these roster changes. The team aims to build on their recent performance after a dramatic comeback victory over the Penguins, where they erased a four-goal deficit to win 6-5 in overtime.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Sharks adapt and whether Smith and Kurashev can return to the lineup soon. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
