Graf All Smiles After Askarov High Sticks Him, Chernyshov Game-Time Decision

Collin Graf was uninjured after another friendly fire incident with a teammate, while Igor Chernyshov's status remains uncertain for the Sharks' game against the Maple Leafs.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:09pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and emotion of a hockey celebration, with players' faces and jerseys dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.The Sharks' post-game celebration erupts in a burst of color and energy, reflecting the team's resilience and camaraderie despite the occasional friendly fire incident.Anaheim Today

San Jose Sharks winger Collin Graf was unharmed after teammate Yaroslav Askarov accidentally high-sticked him during a post-game celebration following the team's win over the Anaheim Ducks. This was the second time this season that a Sharks player has inadvertently injured Graf in a non-game situation. Meanwhile, forward Igor Chernyshov will be a game-time decision for the Sharks' upcoming matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Why it matters

The Sharks have dealt with a number of injuries this season, and any further setbacks could impact their playoff push. While the incident with Graf was minor, it highlights the need for the team to be cautious with player safety, even in celebratory moments. Chernyshov's status is also crucial, as he has been a key contributor when healthy.

The details

In the post-game celebration after the Sharks' 4-3 win over the Ducks, goaltender Yaroslav Askarov accidentally high-sticked Graf, causing a bloody nose. This was the second time this season that a Sharks player has unintentionally injured Graf, with the first incident occurring in practice on December 22nd when he took a deflected puck to the face. Despite the latest incident, Graf reported that he only suffered a bloody nose and did not miss any game time. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky joked that Askarov should buy Graf dinner, while Askarov quipped that it was a "personal attack." As for Chernyshov, he skated in an optional practice on the day of the Maple Leafs game and looked good, but his status remains uncertain. If Chernyshov is unable to play, Philipp Kurashev will likely slot into the lineup.

  • On April 2, 2026, Collin Graf was high-sticked by teammate Yaroslav Askarov in the post-game celebration following the Sharks' win over the Ducks.
  • On December 22, 2022, Graf took a deflected puck to the face during a Sharks practice, causing a significant scar under his nose.

The players

Collin Graf

A San Jose Sharks winger who has dealt with a couple of unintentional injuries from teammates this season in non-game situations.

Yaroslav Askarov

The San Jose Sharks goaltender who accidentally high-sticked Graf in the post-game celebration following the team's win over the Ducks.

Igor Chernyshov

A San Jose Sharks forward who is a game-time decision for the team's upcoming matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Ryan Warsofsky

The head coach of the San Jose Sharks.

Philipp Kurashev

A San Jose Sharks player who would likely slot into the lineup if Chernyshov is unable to play against the Maple Leafs.

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What they’re saying

“It was a personal thing”

— Yaroslav Askarov

“Askarov should get Graf dinner”

— Ryan Warsofsky, Head Coach

What’s next

If Chernyshov is unable to play, the Sharks will need to determine if Philipp Kurashev or another player will fill his spot in the lineup against the Maple Leafs.

The takeaway

The Sharks have dealt with their fair share of injuries this season, both in game and in non-game situations. While the latest incident with Graf was minor, it highlights the need for the team to prioritize player safety, even in celebratory moments. Chernyshov's status will be crucial as the Sharks look to continue their playoff push.