The San Jose Sharks will be without winger Igor Chernyshov for an extended period after he suffered an upper-body injury during Thursday night's 6-2 win over the Ottawa Senators.

After the game, head coach Ryan Warsofsky provided an update on Chernyshov's status.

“He's going to be out here a little bit. I'll have a better update tomorrow,” said Warsofsky.

Chernyshov sustained the injury late in the first period when he blocked a shot from Ottawa defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo with his left arm and wrist. He immediately appeared uncomfortable, went to the bench, and subsequently headed to the locker room. The 21-year-old did not return to the contest and finished with one shot, two hits, a blocked shot, and 4:54 of ice time.

Before the injury, Chernyshov assisted on Nolan Allan's first-period goal. His absence comes as he was beginning to look increasingly at home alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith on San Jose's top line.

Through 11 games this season, Chernyshov has recorded two goals and two assists for four points. The 2024 second-round draft selection, taken 33rd overall, made 28 NHL appearances last season before entering his second campaign with the Sharks.

With Chernyshov out, Collin Graf has taken over the left-wing position alongside Celebrini and Smith. The trio has played 299:39 together during their NHL careers, outscoring opponents 15-11 while posting a 49.11% expected-goal share at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick.

San Jose must also account for center Alexander Wennberg's absence. He is already considered week-to-week with an injury, leaving the Sharks with another vacancy among their forwards.

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Adam Gaudette is the only additional forward currently available on the roster and could make his season debut versus the Boston Bruins on Saturday. The team could also consider recalling a player from the AHL's San Jose Barracuda.

Cam Lund and Ethan Cardwell are potential alternatives, while Filip Bystedt is another candidate for promotion. Bystedt, a 2022 first-round selection, has compiled four goals and two assists in six AHL games this season.

Chernyshov's recovery timeline remains uncertain, leaving the Sharks to evaluate their forward options as they continue their road trip.