Sharks Defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin is Standing Out

Last night, San Jose Sharks Head Coach David Quinn compared Sharkir Mukhamadullin to Chris Pronger.

In the Timo Meier deal, the San Jose Sharks acquired Russian defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin from the New Jersey Devils.

Due to the lack of playing time in North America, Mukhamadulluin was a relatively unknown prospect.

Last season, the defenseman had 10 points in 12 games for the San Jose Barracuda. He played in all situations and quickly became one of the team's top prospects.

San Jose Sharks Head Coach David Quinn has praised the defenseman often.

"He reminds me, just by the way he looks, of Chris Pronger," Quinn said yesterday. "Just with the high hands. Just the way he carries himself. If he is half as mean as Chris Pronger, then we've got something. He's very heady. He's agile. He's coachable. We're really excited about him."

Although it is just about how he looks on the ice, a comparison to a Hall of Fame defenseman shouldn't be taken lightly.

Pronger played 1,167 games in the NHL and won the Hart and Norris Trophies in 2000. He has one Stanley Cup to his name and is a four-time all-star. During the 2017-18 season, he was named one of the NHL's 100 greatest players.

According to NHL.com, Pronger is 6'6 and played at 220lbs. Mukhamadullin is 6'4, 174 lbs. Mukhamadullin is 21 years old and is still growing and getting stronger.

"When you're his size and still haven't fully grown, you're probably less apt to be as physical as you want to be because you probably don't have a lot of confidence that you're gonna win those battles," Quinn said on Monday. "Picture this guy in three years, what he's going to look like, and how much more aggressive he's gonna be able to be to win his battles."

An entire season in North America, plus NHL quality training, only means good things for the defenseman. 

Mukhamadullin does have a case to make the opening night roster. Currently, there are three open spots for defensemen on the Sharks. Henry Thrun is expected to occupy one of the open spots. 

Mukhamadullin, Nikita Okhotiuk, Nikolai Knyzhov, and Kyle Burroughs are all battling for the final two spots. 

Radim Simek left last night's preseason game with an injury, and if he is expected to miss time, that only means 'Muk's' chances get better. 

Quinn did say today that although he won't skate tomorrow, he doesn't think Simek's injury is serious.

"I haven't had that type of discussion, but he certainly has impressed me," Quinn said about Mukhamadullin's chances. "I didn't really see him much last year. I've really been encouraged about what I've seen in his training camp and am certainly very excited about what his future holds."

Quinn said this about the former first-round pick after the San Jose Sharks faced the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. 

Quinn spoke highly of the defenceman today but put things into perspective. Quinn thinks the best place for him to develop is the AHL.

If Mukhamadullin were to make the NHL roster, he would most likely be the team's No. 6 or 7 defenseman. He wouldn't get top minutes and would be sheltered. He can play 20+ minutes a night in the AHL and dominate the ice in all aspects. 

Mukhamadullin has been paired with Vlasic throughout training camp and during his one preseason game.

"I thought he's been good," Vlasic said post-game on Tuesday. "He can skate. Sees the ice well. He's got a long stick. He defends well and plays hard. He's got a lot of skill. It's tough communicating with him, but it's been a lot of fun. A good young talent."

Mukhamadullin didn't speak a word of English when he came to America. Over the summer, he has worked hard to improve that and has begun conversing with the media.

Mukhamadullin will most likely be one of the last training camp cuts, that is, if he gets cut. The later he stays in the NHL, the more experience he will get against true NHL talent in preseason games.