Burning Questions For the 2025-26 Season: Shakir Mukhamadullin

With the 2025-26 season now in sight, the plan is to address the burning questions surrounding every player on the roster (or competing for a roster spot). These questions are focused on how the player is expected to contribute to the Sharks this season and what their role will be.

Shakir Mukhamadullin
6'4" 200lbs
23 years old
2020 1st round pick

Last Season

San Jose Sharks (NHL)
30 games, 2 goals, 7 assists, 18:04 TOI

San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
21 games, 0 goals, 9 assists

Last year was supposed to be the season that Shakir Mukhamadullin cemented himself as a full-time NHLer, but a groin injury before training camp slowed Mukhamadullin's progress. After missing about a month of the season, he started the year in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda. While the production wasn't what we saw from Mukhamadullin compared to the previous season, he was ironing out the last details in his game before making the jump to the NHL.

What’s Up With Shakir Mukhamadullin?

After an outstanding 2023-24 campaign for the San Jose Barracuda, in which Shakir Mukhamadullin scored 7 goals and 27 assists in his first full season in North America, Mukhamadullin has not performed at the same level this season. After missing all of training camp and most of October, Mukhamadullin has

The ReefJD Young

He was called up in December and spent the majority of the rest of the season playing in the NHL with the Sharks. He partnered with Mario Ferraro for most of his time in the NHL. He really started to see him stack quality games together before he was knocked out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury he sustained by Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks.

Mukhamadullin signed a one-year contract worth $1 million this offseason and will be an RFA next offseason.

Burning Question

Is it put up or shut up time for Mukhamadullin?

Sharks fans have been waiting patiently for the big Russian defenseman to make his mark. After being acquired as a key piece in the Timo Meier trade, Mukhamadullin came over to North America and showed some flashes, but also why he was such a raw prospect in a short stint with the Barracuda. Over the past two seasons, Mukhamdullin has cleaned up on some of his skating issues and has been making much better decisions with and without the puck.

Now, Mukhamadullin is in a position to take a big step in his career. During training camp, he has been paired up with fellow countryman Dmitry Orlov. This signals that the Sharks expect Mukhamadullin to take the next step and be a big-time contributor for them this upcoming season. Mukhamadullin will need to see continued growth and consistency this season, but there is no reason to believe that he can't turn into a solid top-four option for the Sharks for the next several seasons.

The talent hasn't been an issue for Mukhamadullin, but the injuries have been a concern. He's been unable to finish the last two years because of upper-body injuries, and started last year with a groin injury. If Mukhamadullin can stay healthy and see his production grow while playing big-time minutes, he could set himself up for a nice contract next offseason.

Expectations

This is a big year for Shakir Mukhamadullin; the Sharks famously only have Dmitry Orlov under contract for next year. While players like Sam Dickinson, Luca Cagnoni, and Jack Thompson will be in the mix for NHL jobs, there could be a lot of turnover on the Sharks' blueline as Mike Grier looks to add more support for a young, dynamic forward group and to help protect Yaroslav Askarov in net.

Suppose Mukhamadullin can have the breakout season that Sharks fans have been waiting for, and Mukhamadullin turns into the teal version of Alex Vlasic. In that case, he could be looking at a significant contract coming next year (especially with Ferraro potentially coming off the books).

If Mukhamadullin struggles or continues to deal with the injury bug, it could be time for Grier to look for long-term reinforcements in the way of free agents or trades. While the Sharks will still be building, they need to get the blueline in order sooner rather than later. Hopefully, Mukhamadullin is a big part of that future.