Sharks' Kurashev week-to-week, but Smith's timeline for return still murky

"Philipp Kurashev is considered week to week with an upper-body injury, and coach Ryan Warsofsky would not rule out the possibility of surgery for Will Smith as the Sharks start to navigate their way forward at least in the short term without two of their top-scoring wingers. Warsofsky said Smith, who appeared to sustain an upper-body injury, will sit out this week and be reevaluated by the Sharks' medical staff on Monday. Asked if there was a possibility that Smith would need surgery, Warsofsky said, I don't think we're there yet."

"With Smith and Kurashev out, the Sharks recalled forwards Igor Chernyshov and Ethan Cardwell from the Barracuda of the AHL. Chernyshov will make his NHL debut on Tuesday, starting the game on the top line alongside Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf, as the Sharks face the Calgary Flames to begin a three-game homestand. Chernyshov, one of the Sharks' top prospects, leads the Barracuda with 23 points in 25 games, and Cardwell has nine points in 14 games."

"Smith, 20, was hurt with 16:30 left in the third period, as he was hit into the boards by defenseman Parker Wotherspoon in the Penguins' zone. Smith immediately began to skate off the ice and threw off one of his gloves, clutching his right arm, before he reached the bench and went to the team's room for medical care."

Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev were placed on injured reserve after leaving the Sharks' game against Pittsburgh with upper-body injuries. Smith was hurt late in the third period after a hit into the boards and will be reevaluated Monday; surgery was not ruled out but not expected immediately. Kurashev left mid-second period after crashing into the end boards and is considered week to week. The Sharks mounted a 6-5 overtime comeback in that game. San Jose recalled Igor Chernyshov and Ethan Cardwell from the AHL, with Chernyshov slated to make his NHL debut on the top line.

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