Prospect Info: Sharks Prospect Info & Discussion Megathread XXI: "New, improved, and wayyyy too much info" Edition

[The Nemesis]

Then Georgiev catches him as he's coming off the ice and tells him to shut it down.

 

[Kingpin794]

Awesome to hear he's back soon and on track relative to the initial timeline we were given four months ago. I was really excited about this pick and I still am.

Will be interesting to see what line Saginaw puts him on when he's back. Do they put him with Misa to try and get him confidence early? Do they slot him on line 2 to keep their most effective line together? Line 1 has been Epperson-Misa-Willis (NSH) for a while and has been one of the OHLs best lines. They could easily drop Willis down to line 2. That would be my guess as to what will happen but who knows.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Will be interesting to see what line Saginaw puts him on when he's back. Do they put him with Misa to try and get him confidence early? Do they slot him on line 2 to keep their most effective line together? Line 1 has been Epperson-Misa-Willis (NSH) for a while and has been one of the OHLs best lines. They could easily drop Willis down to line 2. That would be my guess as to what will happen but who knows.

Guy hasn't played hockey in like 8 months, probably a good idea to ease him in on the lower lines and then work him onto the top line once he's up to game speed if it makes sense.

One of the criticisms on Chernyshov pre-draft was sub-par finishing, so I would eventually like to see him on a high scoring line with the likes of Misa, but no stress if it doesn't happen right away.

 

[mogambomoroo]

Chernyshov the secret weapon. We've had so many different prospects to follow that I almost forgot about him in the middle of the Celebrini hype. He was a steal at that point of the draft and he has every chance to succeed with this pipeline. Him having experience against men in KHL is a good start.

 

[NiWa]

Loved this pre-draft write up on Chernyshov:

2024 Draft Profile:

RW Igor Chernyshov, Moskva Dynamo KHL
Before I begin my assessment of one of my favorite players from the 2024 draft class, I'd like to give credit where it's due and point out that @Guadana has done some really great write-ups of Chernyshov (see page 16 of this thread) and, just as importantly, @Guadana really likes Chernyshov's hair.

That being said, Igor Chernyshov is the perfect two-way, versatile, all-situations power forward to pair with any line-driving forward at the top of your line-up.

What immediately stands out about Chernyshov is how fast and hard he plays every single shift. He is a big kid at 6'2-200 who skates extremely well and features one of the best compete levels I've ever seen from a draft-eligible MHL forward. Though he is not what you would call "proactively" physical -- which is to say he isn't always looking for the big hit or post-whistle scrums -- he is exceptionally effective at using his big, strong frame to win tight puck battles, to function as an absolute terror on the forecheck, to crash creases, and to protect pucks in possession. In a nutshell, this is not a kid who uses strength as an intimidation tactic, but he plays a fast and furious bull-in-a-china-shop style and heaven help you if you are between him and the opposing net.

Chernyshov's entire offensive game is based on getting the puck towards high-danger areas and the opposing net. While many young, skilled forwards spend a lot of their time on the perimeter -- Chernyshov is always trying to funnel everything towards the opposing goal as quickly as possible -- the puck, his own body, and maybe your body too if you're an opposing defender trying to stop him.

Chernyshov is not only extremely fast for a big man, but also features very soft and skilled hands and an astounding deft passing touch. With the combination of his high-end stick-handling and ability to shield weaker defenders with his frame, he possesses an almost uncanny ability to bust open high-danger scoring or set-up chances out of the seemingly narrowest of openings. He is a very smart player on both sides of the puck, and his decision making allows him to extend plays where lower-IQ players would tend to try to force them.

With all of these skills, I must stress again that Chernyshov's stand-out ability is his compete level, which is the highest level of elite I can describe. This kid is so dogged both on and off the puck, it's as if he's never fully off-camera in any film you watch of him. He's just always there wreaking havoc, in all three zones, in space or in tight.

It's also important to re-state that this is a versatile player. I've seen him line up at both wings and even at center -- though we would have to see him more up the middle to assess what his potential at that position might truly be. He is a true 200-foot player who is capable as a net-front grizzly bear on the power play, or on the penalty kill.

I can't state this enough, Igor Chernyshov is a special player. No, he is not an elite-vision Demidov or elite-sniping Eiserman or elite-dangling Catton, but he is skilled and fast enough to play alongside the highest-caliber talent and offers a power/interior element which will open up space for any stars he skates alongside. I have no idea whatsoever why his consensus ranking is somewhere in the #16-20 range when he is clearly always ranked behind players he is generally superior to, though the fact he plays in Russia could have something to do with it.

Igor Chernyshov sits comfortably in my own top 10 rankings, and I have no fear or apprehension in stating this. His complete game and high-end intangibles give him an extremely high floor as an elite NHL 3rd liner, while his complimenting speed and very good skill set gives him a ceiling as a guy putting up great numbers on an NHL 1st line. In some ways I'd compare him to Zach Hyman, a player who has shown the ability to perfectly compliment and get the best out of any high-level center you pair him with. He's sure to be a fan-favorite for whichever organization drafts him.

Source: Prospect Info: - 2024 NHL Draft Thread via @StevenToddIves

And here's the breakdown by @Guadana with clips and more details: Prospect Info: - 2024 NHL Draft Thread
He also stressed the potential for him to potentially convert to Center.

 

[coooldude]

Loved this pre-draft write up on Chernyshov:



Source: Prospect Info: - 2024 NHL Draft Thread via @StevenToddIves

And here's the breakdown by @Guadana with clips and more details: Prospect Info: - 2024 NHL Draft Thread
He also stressed the potential for him to potentially convert to Center.

Yep, he seemed like he was going to be a steal in the high teens and then he miraculously fell to us. This write-up screams "put him with Macklin and Eklund" if he can translate to the NHL. That line would be possession monsters, all high compete, all hard battlers willing to drive to the net and fight for inside ice, good on the boards but looking to drive the puck to the net. Get a D man who can get shots to the net and there will be a lot of dirty goals and quick passing plays down low leading to quick snipes.

 

[Jargon]

Yep, he seemed like he was going to be a steal in the high teens and then he miraculously fell to us. This write-up screams "put him with Macklin and Eklund" if he can translate to the NHL. That line would be possession monsters, all high compete, all hard battlers willing to drive to the net and fight for inside ice, good on the boards but looking to drive the puck to the net. Get a D man who can get shots to the net and there will be a lot of dirty goals and quick passing plays down low leading to quick snipes.

Could be a good guy to get the puck to Smith too. His NHL Leonard, maybe.

Either way, I remember reading that report and being very excited that we got him. It’s unlikely, but if he and Musty can be our future top 6 wingers, we’re looking very good… if only we can grab Schaefer.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Yep, he seemed like he was going to be a steal in the high teens and then he miraculously fell to us. This write-up screams "put him with Macklin and Eklund" if he can translate to the NHL. That line would be possession monsters, all high compete, all hard battlers willing to drive to the net and fight for inside ice, good on the boards but looking to drive the puck to the net. Get a D man who can get shots to the net and there will be a lot of dirty goals and quick passing plays down low leading to quick snipes.

Stylistically, he'd be a great fit for those two, I was thinking the same thing. Essentially a bigger, stronger, and more skilled Kovalenko.

Chernyshov hitting would really take some worry away on both the size front and the wing front. I would argue that he is our most important wing prospect.

 

[Jargon]

Stylistically, he'd be a great fit for those two, I was thinking the same thing. Essentially a bigger, stronger, and more skilled Kovalenko.

Chernyshov hitting would really take some worry away on both the size front and the wing front. I would argue that he is our most important wing prospect.

More than Musty, you think?

 

[Juxtaposer]

More than Musty, you think?

It's close. But Chernyshov's style of play is so good. If Musty hits, he's a 70 point winger whom everyone hates every second he isn't scoring. If Chernyshov hits, he's the type of player who you simply don't trade. He uses his size so much better than Musty and is much more well-rounded and versatile.

 

[one2gamble]

It's close. But Chernyshov's style of play is so good. If Musty hits, he's a 70 point winger whom everyone hates every second he isn't scoring. If Chernyshov hits, he's the type of player who you simply don't trade. He uses his size so much better than Musty and is much more well-rounded and versatile.

yea but that shoulder.....

 

[wishman]

yea but that shoulder.....

Same as Celebrinis shoulder. He seems to be doing ok.

 

[The Nemesis]

Could be a good guy to get the puck to Smith too. His NHL Leonard, maybe.

Either way, I remember reading that report and being very excited that we got him. It’s unlikely, but if he and Musty can be our future top 6 wingers, we’re looking very good… if only we can grab Schaefer.

Smith can have Halttunen. Smith does all the shifty puck work to create the chance and Halttunen picks his spot and just goes full Cheechoo.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Loved this pre-draft write up on Chernyshov:



Source: Prospect Info: - 2024 NHL Draft Thread via @StevenToddIves

And here's the breakdown by @Guadana with clips and more details: Prospect Info: - 2024 NHL Draft Thread
He also stressed the potential for him to potentially convert to Center.

Thanks for spreading the good word on Chernyshov, @Guadana and myself.

 

[Jargon]

Smith can have Halttunen. Smith does all the shifty puck work to create the chance and Halttunen picks his spot and just goes full Cheechoo.

Yeah, I actually had that thought too, he’s kind of exactly the Cheechoo to Smith’s Thornton. Kovalenko could make a fun Ekman.

Though Musty and Smith looked mighty good together at camp.

 

[Saskatoon]

Smith can have Halttunen. Smith does all the shifty puck work to create the chance and Halttunen picks his spot and just goes full Cheechoo.

Halttunen needs to figure out the aspect of his game that makes his shot available. He isn't there yet

 

[NiWa]

Thanks for spreading the good word on Chernyshov, @Guadana and myself.

Anytime! Already subscribed to the 2025 version. Knowing that you & Guadana may not have time (though I still hope you get sucked in!), counting on evnted!

 

[The Nemesis]

Battle of the Sharks' WHL d prospects round... I'm not sure where we're at. 3? 4? as Nate Misskey and the Victoria Royals host Colton Roberts' Vancouver Giants today.

Less than 3 minutes in and it's already 2-0 Royals as the Giants gave up 2 goals in like 20 seconds.

No points for Misskey and no update yet to show whether Roberts was on the ice for either goal to get a minus.

EDIT: 3-0 Royals. On 3 shots. Giants goalie chased. The gamecenter on the WHL website has +s on the Victoria side, with Misskey still at even. Minuses just added to the Giants side. Roberts gets a -1 so far.

EDIT 2: 4-0 Royals. Misskey's got a +1 now.

 

[The Nemesis]

It's 6-2 Royals entering the 3rd period now.

No points and a +2 for Misskey
No points and a -1 for Roberts

And these two teams play again tomorrow in Langley as the second half of a home-and-home.

EDIT: with 3 minutes left the Giants have clawed back to within 1 as it's 6-5.

Misskey is down to +1. Roberts remains at -1. Still no points for either.

 

[The Nemesis]

Giants came all the way back and tied the game with 90 seconds to go then won in the shootout.

Misskey and Roberts both finished with no points and at +1 and -1 as I noted above.

 

[The Nemesis]

Free WHL game of the week turns out to be this afternoon's Vancouver/Victoria game



It's already part way through the 1st period and the Giants are losing 2-0, but if you want to watch a pair of Shark prospects (Roberts and Misskey) here's a chance. Plus it's what I'm watching right now

EDIT: Now it's 3-0. But based on yesterday the Giants have them right where they want them

EDIT 2: 4-0. But now the trap is perfectly baited.

 

[The Nemesis]

After 2 periods it's 5-1 Royals (again)

Misskey is +1 with no points

Roberts is even with no points

Edit: Game finished at 5-2 Victoria with the same player stats as above.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Anytime! Already subscribed to the 2025 version. Knowing that you & Guadana may not have time (though I still hope you get sucked in!), counting on evnted!

@evnted is one of the best prospect writers I've read in the past decade. By all rights he should be writing for elite prospects.com, but we're lucky to have him on HFBoards.

I'll try to contribute a bit but I'm pretty swamped with life stuff and a recently-released novel. But if you ever want my take on Sharks prospects, I've already scouted pretty much all of them so feel free to tag me or send me a message and I'll whip something up for you. The short version of course is that San Jose has a top-three prospect pool in the league and the future is extremely bright for all the great Sharks fans.