The San Jose Sharks will need Shakir Mukhamadullin to be a key component on the blue line. Here's what his development plan should be.
For the San Jose Sharks to continue their rebuild, Team Teal will need Shakir Mukhamadullin to be a key piece on the blue line.
The Sharks acquired defenseman Mukhamadullin from the New Jersey Devils in the Timo Meier trade.
Corey Pronman of The Athletic ranked the top players and prospects under the age of 23 in January, and Mukhamadullin was ranked 68 out of 154.
"He’s quite mobile, especially for such a large man. He has good stick skills and can make skilled plays with the puck on the move. He’s not an amazing puck-mover, but he can make some plays and has a hard point shot," Pronman wrote.
The 6'4, 194 lbs defender doesn't have a dynamic skill that separates him on the blue line. What the Russian brings are size and smarts.
Once he joined the San Jose Barracuda, Mukhamadullin had 10 points in 12 games. Showing some more offense than maybe was originally expected. He is also 21 years old and has shown maturity on the blue line.
He doesn't do much wrong and always seems to be in the right place.
This goal was Mukhamadullin's first after coming to North America from the KHL. The defenseman is seen in front of his own net when the puck is turned up ice. He then recognizes he can jump into the rush.
He does a good job recognizing that once he enters the offensive zone, he still needs to remain as the rush's high player. He receives the loose puck, and his first shot is blocked. He then changes his angle on a dime and fires another shot through.
On this assist, he gets the puck at the point and walks the blue line effectively. His shot is developing, and at 6'4, it will have some meat behind it. He also does a good job making the goalie move before shooting to help create more of a rebound chance.
Every clip in the offensive zone in this article shows how comfortable Mukhamadullin is with the puck at the blue line.
Defensively the San Jose Sharks need to continue to focus on limiting turnovers when exiting their defensive zone. Mukhamadullin's IQ should help him be in the correct position to make a stop and give a good first pass out of the zone.
Mukhamadullin wasn't acquired to become the team's future No. 1 d-man. He was brought in to be a key cog in the top four blueliners.
It will be interesting to see if the San Jose Sharks want to start him in the AHL next season or if he can make the big club right out of training camp.