Igor Chernyshov vs Kingston 1/30/25
After waiting half a season, we finally got to the fireworks factory. Igor Chernyshov made his OHL debut for the Saginaw Spirit. Questions of why Chernyshov, who was considered to be a top 20 pick, slid out of the first round were answered when he underwent surgery to repair his shoulder. Before his surgery, Chernyshov also had his KHL contract terminated and was selected by Saginaw in the OHL Import Draft.
Igor Chernyshov made his OHL debut on Thursday night and had two goals while playing on the top line with projected top five 2025 NHL Draft pick Michael Misa, here are some observations.
Igor Chernyshov Is Going To Do Very Well In The OHL
Yes, scoring 1 minute into your first OHL game is a good way to start, but Chernyshov's 2nd goal was beautiful.
Chernyshov collects the puck and uses his speed to get away from the forwards by cutting towards the center of the ice. The defenseman can't keep up and uses them to shield the goaltender. Absolute snipe.
While Saginaw didn't get as much offensive time as you'd like to see, the traits from Chernyshov were there. His speed, skill, and ability to find open space are easily noticed whenever he is on the ice. Chernyshov kept his shifts short but efficient in his first action since last spring, and it's easy to see how he will continue to earn more time and a more significant role as he gets closer to 100%.
Chernyshov's Game Is Very Mature
Having spent half a season playing in the KHL, Igor Chernyshov has brought the traits that made him successful in a bottom-six role. He is very responsible defensively as a forward and made some nice defensive plays for Saginaw.
Chernyshov does a nice job of helping to cover in the defensive zone. He sees the trailing forward flying into the zone and is perfectly positioned to break it up.
Even though this was a goal for Kingston, look at how Chernyshov reacts to the forward being left alone and hustling to break up a potential rebound from that player. He was stuck in a mini-two-on-one but made the right decision to eliminate the player that he could on the play.
This play is super smart. Chernyshov knows how vital possession is. How many players get the puck at the end of their shift and either dump it into the zone or make a hope play?
Chernyshov shows his patience in waiting out the defender and finding the trailer so that Saginaw can keep possession and try to mount a comeback. While watching Chernyshov's KHL tape, he constantly left his team in a better position than he found it with each shift.
JD Young
Possession is the name of the hockey game, and Chernyshov understands this.
Don't Be Surprised If Chernyshov Is One And Done
Since Igor Chernyshov was in the KHL when he was drafted, he is eligible to play in the AHL at any time (just like Kasper Halttunen). With all his positive experiences playing in the KHL as an effective bottom six forward, don't be surprised if Chernyshov is one and done in the OHL. Already at 6'3" and 205 pounds, Chernyshov has shown that he can play against grown men in one of the best leagues in the world.
This season in the OHL is most likely a season to rehab, get used to playing in North America, and start learning English for the Russian. If Chernyshov has a solid end to the Saginaw Spirit season, he could easily see himself playing in San Jose with the Barracuda next year.
A potential incoming class of Kasper Halttunen, Quentin Musty, and Igor Chernyshov would be a nice way to kick off the 2025-2026 Barracuda season.