LD Shakir Mukhamadullin (2020, 20th, NJD; traded to SJS)

[SoundAndFury]

0 points though... I, for one, am concerned.

 

[Bone Density]

 

[karltonian]

let's say the leverage from his extra long stick got that puck spinnin'

 

[coooldude]

Worthy of a bump, Shak has looked better and better in his current stint with the big club, which will probably last the rest of the year given how threadbare our D roster is.

He's using his length and mobility well to get onto pucks and puck carriers in the DZ, and seems to be really focused on good positioning and maintaining leverage. When he does get on the puck, he's showing good and simple but solid decision making with either speeding a zone exit pass, reversing to a partner or finding space for the winger or center to chase on, chipping high and hard off the glass for a zone clearance, or slowing down to set the breakout and make a clean first pass. In the OZ, he's playing simply but does adventure with a pinch 2-3 times a game and looks solid, if not too dangerous.

I think he's showing well as a 4/5 kind of guy, or if he keeps improving over the next 1-2 seasons, a steady partner for a more adventurous top pair OFD. Offense might not come, but might not need to. In some ways he and Liljegren's games are similar right now, which might also be because that's what the coaching staff is asking them to do. Lily has more offensive moxy but looks less rangy out there.

 

[CaptainShark]

Was going to post this on the Sharks board, but there wasn’t a player thread: it’s like a switch has been turned on and Shak just gets it (see details above).

 

[Juxtaposer]

Size + mobility + adequate puck handling + ability to make the simple plays under pressure is a formula that churns out NHL defensemen every time. He's a long boy, crazy reach and ability to smother plays on defense. Whether or not Mukhamadullin becomes more than a bottom pairing guy remains to be seen, but I see no reason not to expect a very good #5 out of him at least.

He's been quite good on his off-side in his last few games, if he can make that work long-term then he becomes even more valuable.

 

[shaner8989]

He was real good last night against the Leafs. Very noticeable

 

[Phion Keneuf]

He was real good last night against the Leafs. Very noticeable

Yeah agreed. Looks like a perfect #5 who can step up in a bigger role paired with an offensive D

 

[mab894]

He looks awesome recently

 

[FlyguyOX]

2pt night

 

[shaner8989]

23 mins tonight 2 apples. Turing into a monster real quick here

 

[coooldude]

His points have all been simple plays that spring a chance - not creating, but putting his teammates in a position to succeed. Both assists to Smith were just smart chips that the D pinched on, giving Smith near identical looks on 2 on 1s. The assist to Celebrini was just a small touch pass after Smith made the incisive pass. But he's making those simple plays and being rewarded for it.

 

[Wedontneedroads]

What has impressed me the most is how fast he has improved at the NHL level. He looked absolutely lost earlier this season, and now he looks quite comfortable. If he can put on some muscle he could be a solid 3/4.

 

[OrrNumber4]

What has impressed me the most is how fast he has improved at the NHL level. He looked absolutely lost earlier this season, and now he looks quite comfortable. Would love to see him put on some muscle but he looks like he is on track to being a solid 3/4.

I don't think he's been fully healthy until now

 

[Stewie Griffin]

Wasn't having a great season, but this is awesome to see.

 

[fasterthanlight]

Maybe he's finally fully getting over that injury

 

[My3Sons]

He's a reasonably talented kid and has the ingredients - as posted above - to be a solid modern defender. He's unlikely to be a big hitter but he is willing and seems to continue to improve his overall game with experience. I expect him to have a good NHL career as a mid pair guy with occasional PP2 status which for his draft slot is a good result. In retrospect it's hard to understand why he was so polarizing in his draft year.