Former Devils Prospect Defenseman Receives First NHL Recall

The San Jose Sharks have recalled former New Jersey Devils prospect defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin to the NHL.

The Devils selected Mukhamadullin in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft, 20th overall. Before his career in North America, Mukhamadullin experienced pro hockey across the pond playing in parts of four seasons from 2019 to 2023 in the KHL.

The Devils traded Mukhamadullin to the Sharks as part of a blockbuster trade. In addition to Mukhamadullin, the Devils sent defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk; forwards Andreas Johnsson and Fabian Zetterlund; and a second and seventh-round selection in the 2024 NHL draft.

In exchange, the Devils acquired forwards Timo Meier and Timur Ibragimov, defensemen Scott Harrington and Santeri Hatakka, goaltender Zachary Emond as well as a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The Sharks are enjoying a bit of success with Zetterlund who has thus far scored 14 goals in 48 games for San Jose. However, Mukhamadullin was the big prize Sharks GM Mike Grier retrieved from Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Mukhamadullin made a strong push at the Sharks’ 2023 training camp nearly making the NHL roster. However, the Sharks ultimately chose to continue his development in the American Hockey League with the San Jose Barracudas.

It’s been a strong season at the AHL level for the Sharks defenseman. In 39 games for the Barracudas, Mukhamadullin potted five goals and 26 points from the blue line.

The 6-foot-4 defenseman may very well get his chance to make his NHL debut after receiving his first recall to the NHL. The Sharks play next on Saturday afternoon against the Buffalo Sabres at 1 PM EST.