San Jose Sharks take Russian winger to start second day of NHL Draft

LAS VEGAS – The San Jose Sharks began day two of the NHL Draft on Saturday by selecting Russian-born winger Igor Chernyshov.

The 18-year-old Chernyshov, who is listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 196 pounds, was ranked ninth among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Chernyshov is described by eliteprospects.com as a “powerful skater and a high-end handler,” who “excels at anticipating openings and exploiting them.”

The Sharks then selected Leo Sahlin Wallenius at No. 53 overall, the pick they received from the Detroit Red Wings earlier this week in the trade that also brought defenseman Jake Walman to San Jose.

Sahlin Wallenius was ranked seventh among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting (Chernyshov was No. 9). Is 6-0, 183 lbs. Skating is thought to be his best attribute.

The Sharks began the draft on Friday by selecting Boston University center Macklin Celebrini No. 1 overall and defenseman Sam Dickinson of the London Knights at No. 11.

On Saturday, the Sharks also hold picks Nos. 85 (third round), 116 (fourth round), 131 and 143 (fifth round), and 194 (seventh round).

Sharks general manager Mike Grier said Friday night that he anticipated getting calls from other teams on the 33rd overall selection and would be open to moving it if the right package came along.

“We’ll be open to everything,” Grier said. “Looking at our board, I think there’s some players there that we really like, but as it goes when teams kind of settle in and get back to the hotels, I’m sure we’ll get some calls on 33. We’ll listen if it makes sense for us to get more assets and then continue to build this thing.

“But if not, there’s some players available there that we’ll be really happy to select.”

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