Sharks Unsure If Top Winger Will Play vs. Rival Ducks

Illness sidelines Igor Chernyshov, who has been key to Sharks' top line

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:58pm

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The San Jose Sharks are unsure if top-line winger Igor Chernyshov will be able to play in their upcoming game against the Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks. Chernyshov is dealing with an illness and is considered a game-time decision. If he is unable to play, forward Ty Dellandrea, who has been out for nearly three months with a torn right posterior cruciate ligament, will enter the lineup.

Why it matters

Chernyshov has been a key contributor to the Sharks' top line, providing scoring punch alongside the team's leading scorers Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. His potential absence could be a significant blow to the Sharks as they try to gain ground in the tight Western Conference playoff race.

The details

Chernyshov did not participate in the Sharks' optional skate on Wednesday morning. If he is unable to play, Dellandrea would enter the lineup, though coach Ryan Warsofsky did not specify where he would slot in. Before his injury, Dellandrea had been the Sharks' third-line center and one of their top penalty killers and faceoff leaders.

  • Chernyshov suffered a head injury in a March 14 game against the Montreal Canadiens and returned to play last week.
  • Dellandrea's injury occurred in a Jan. 6 home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The players

Igor Chernyshov

A 20-year-old winger who has been playing on the Sharks' top line and has 14 points in 20 games this season.

Ty Dellandrea

A forward who has been out for nearly three months with a torn right posterior cruciate ligament.

Ryan Warsofsky

The head coach of the San Jose Sharks.

Macklin Celebrini

One of the Sharks' leading scorers who has been playing on the top line with Chernyshov.

Will Smith

One of the Sharks' leading scorers who has been playing on the top line with Chernyshov.

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What they’re saying

“Winger Igor Chernyshov is dealing with an illness and is questionable to play Wednesday when the San Jose Sharks face the Anaheim Ducks in the second game of a critical six-game homestand.”

— Ryan Warsofsky, Head Coach

What’s next

If Chernyshov is unable to play, the Sharks will need to adjust their lineup and find a way to replace his production on the top line. The team is also hoping to gain ground in the tight Western Conference playoff race with a win over the division-leading Ducks.

The takeaway

The potential absence of top-line winger Igor Chernyshov due to illness is a significant concern for the Sharks as they try to keep pace in the crowded Western Conference playoff race. His chemistry and scoring ability on the top line will be difficult to replace, underscoring the importance of depth and adaptability for playoff-contending teams.