Shakir Mukhamadullin, defender of HC Salavat Yulaev: - I am very pleased with the club that chose me! New Jersey is one of the best organizations and teams in the league. I am happy to be part of their family!
- Did you follow the draft?
- Woke up early in the morning before the draft. I followed every pick, I am very happy for all Russian players, and especially for Rodion Amirov. I was very worried. To be honest, I didn’t expect to be chosen under the 20th number, my heart beat very quickly. I was delighted and realized that in a couple of hours I was already for training (smiles).
- Whose congratulations were the first?
- Since the draft took place in Canada, the broadcast was a little late. Simultaneously with the words that I was drafted, agents from Canada called and congratulated, and then relatives and friends.
- What will change for you now?
- I think that there will be an incentive to train even more and work on yourself. And so now all forces and thoughts are directed to the current season, the goal is the Gagarin Cup!
This is the google translated version of the interview on his KHL club's site Шакир Мухамадуллин: «Не ожидал, что выберут под 20-м номером» - Новости - ХК Салават Юлаев
It's encouraging to see he's so excited. Gives me hope he's interested in coming over sooner rather than later, even if he's in the AHL for a while.