The San Jose Sharks have placed forwards Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev on injured reserve, following injuries sustained during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both players will miss the team’s upcoming three-game homestand, which begins on December 5, 2023.
During the match on December 2, 2023, Kurashev suffered a significant injury when he crashed into the end boards in the Penguins’ zone, causing him to leave the game midway through the second period. Smith’s injury occurred later in the third period when he was hit into the boards by Penguins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon. Following the impact, Smith immediately skated off the ice while visibly favoring his right arm, discarding one of his gloves before reaching the bench.
The two forwards had been crucial to the Sharks’ lineup, beginning the game on the top line alongside center Macklin Celebrini. At the time of their injuries, Smith ranked as the Sharks’ second-leading scorer with 29 points in 32 games, while Kurashev contributed 15 points in 30 games.
With both players sidelined, the Sharks have called up forwards Igor Chernyshov and Ethan Cardwell from the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL). This move aims to bolster the roster as the Sharks prepare to face the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, followed by matches against the Dallas Stars on Thursday and the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.
As the Sharks navigate through this challenging period, fans will be eager to see how the newly recalled prospects perform in the absence of Smith and Kurashev. The team hopes to maintain momentum during this crucial stretch of games.
