Overview
- San Jose placed Smith and Kurashev on injured reserve Monday, ruling them out for the upcoming three-game homestand.
- Both were hurt in Saturday’s 6-5 overtime win in Pittsburgh, with Smith leaving after a heavy check by Parker Wotherspoon and Kurashev exiting after sliding hard into the boards.
- The Sharks recalled Igor Chernyshov and Ethan Cardwell from the AHL, with Chernyshov leading the Barracuda with 23 points in 25 games and set for his NHL debut.
- Coaches could slot Chernyshov into Smith’s top-line role next to Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli, while Cardwell projects as a depth replacement.
- Independent medical analysis suggests Smith may have a separated shoulder and a week-to-week outlook, a view not confirmed by the team.