Shakir Mukhamadullin secures vote of confidence from San Jose Sharks with fresh one-year contract

Shakir Mukhamadullin, picked up by the New Jersey Devils in the deal that sent forward Timo Meier to the East, remains to cement his hold in the San Jose Sharks' organization. The San Jose Sharks said on Thursday that Russian defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin signed a one-year contract extension, rewarding his growth and contribution at both the National Hockey League (NHL) and American Hockey League (AHL) levels this year.

San Jose Sharks sign midfielder Shakir Mukhamadullin to one-year contract extension

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin to a one-year contract extension worth $1 million, which reflects their faith in the 23-year-old and his role in their rebuild strategy. Shakir Mukhamadullin, the defenseman who spent the 2024–25 season splitting his time between the San Jose Sharks and their San Jose Barracuda AHL affiliate, clearly made a good impression with the team. The young defenseman registered a total of 18 points in the two leagues—two goals and seven assists in 30 games for the San Jose Sharks and nine assists in 21 games for the Barracuda.

Originally signed by the New Jersey Devils as a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, 20th overall, Shakir Mukhamadullin has spent 33 games in the NHL, recording 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists). Before coming to North America, he gained professional experience in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for four years with Salavat Yulaev Ufa. The San Jose Sharks signing him on for a further year is a testament to his growing worth to their blue line.

With his stretchy physique, silky skating ability, and play-breaking ability with his extension, Mukhamadullin is also starting to show scoring ability, making him an extremely valuable two-way prospect. With the franchise rebuilding, bringing in some young guys like Mukhamadullin into the mix is important.

His growth has not been ignored, and this acquisition is another step up the ladder to a more formidable Sharks squad in the future.

The team is nowhere near a playoff threat, but stars like Mukhamadullin are a glimmer of hope for improved times down the line in San Jose.Also read: Sharks throw wild NHL draft bash betting on fan loyalty while chasing a rebuild and a Stanley CupWith the San Jose Sharks yearning to position themselves higher in the Western Conference, investment in young guns such as Shakir Mukhamadullin is a display of their vision. With another year of experience on his CV to prove his value, the young defender now has the stage and the pressure to perform better in 2025.