Shakir Mukhamadullin #85 of the San Jose Sharks (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The San Jose Sharks are close to signing defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin to a new contract. As well-informed sources told RG, the two sides have nearly finalized the agreement, with an official announcement expected soon.
Last season, the 23-year-old Russian defenseman appeared in 30 games for the Sharks, tallying 9 points (2 goals and 7 assists). He also played 21 games with the team’s AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, contributing 9 assists.
Mukhamadullin suffered a hand injury on April 1 during a game against Anaheim following a collision with Frank Vatrano, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. He is currently rehabbing in San Jose and is expected to be fully recovered by the start of training camp. The defenseman has also mentioned plans to spend part of his summer vacation in Russia.
Mukhamadullin initially signed his NHL entry-level contract in 2021. Originally from Ufa, the 6-foot-4 (193 cm), 178-pound (81 kg) player was selected by the New Jersey Devils with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He spent the subsequent two seasons on loan with his hometown KHL club, Salavat Yulaev. In February 2023, Mukhamadullin was involved in a major trade that saw Timo Meier move to the Devils and Mukhamadullin himself transferred to the Sharks.
Since spring 2023, he has been part of the Sharks’ organization, making his NHL debut during the 2023-24 season.
Salavat Yulaev’s General Manager Rinat Bashirov confirmed that the club does not expect Mukhamadullin to return to the KHL.
Internationally, Mukhamadullin represented Russia at the 2021 World Junior Championship. He also won gold at the 2019 World U17 Hockey Challenge and a silver medal at the 2019 IIHF U18 World Championship.
Daria Tuboltseva
