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Fantasy

Fantasy Hockey: Use an IR Slot for Igor Chernyshov in Deep Keeper Leagues

The Sharks winger had four points in 11 games and remained out Friday. His return to San Jose’s lineup matters more in keeper leagues than in shallow redraft.

San Jose Sharks forward Igor Chernyshov on the ice during practice
San Jose Sharks forward Igor Chernyshov practices on Oct. 2, 2026. · Credit: Jesse Kornblum / Wikimedia Commons

An open injured-reserve slot is the place to hold Igor Chernyshov in a deep keeper league. The San Jose Sharks winger remained out for Friday’s game at Minnesota after the club placed him on injured reserve in late October with an upper-body injury. San Jose’s next game is Saturday at Dallas at 8 p.m. ET.

Chernyshov had two goals and two assists in 11 games this season before the injury. In a shallow redraft league, use the active roster spot for a healthy winger who can contribute this weekend. In a deep keeper league, holding Chernyshov on IR gives you time to see what San Jose does with him once he’s available.

Check his even-strength line, power-play assignment and shot volume after he returns. Those are the numbers that will tell you whether it’s worth activating him. An NHL return by itself only gives you a date to start looking.

Photo by Jesse Kornblum, CC BY-SA 4.0.