Navigating the development curve of a young defenseman in the NHL is never a one-size-fits-all situation - and San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky knows it. Especially when it comes to someone like Shakir Mukhamadullin, a 23-year-old with first-round pedigree and a central role in the franchise’s rebuild plans.
Warsofsky is tasked with walking that fine line: letting young players learn through their mistakes without letting those mistakes define them. At the same time, he has to manage expectations - both internal and external - about performance, accountability, and growth.
“With the younger defensemen, it’s about letting them make some young mistakes and learn through them, without mentally crushing them,” Warsofsky said. “Some of the older guys get a little bit longer rope, based on what they’ve done in their career.
There’s a lot of conversations I have with our staff, with Mike [Grier] and his staff, to figure out what’s best. There’s probably no perfect answer, but we try to do what’s best for the team.”
That’s where Mukhamadullin comes in - and why his situation is so intriguing.
At 6-foot-4, the left-handed defenseman has all the physical tools you’d want in a modern blue-liner. He was one of the key returns in the Timo Meier trade back in February 2023, and after arriving in North America last season, he made an immediate impression.
After the Trade Deadline, Mukhamadullin averaged over 21 minutes a night in March - a clear sign the coaching staff trusted his game. But just as he was finding his rhythm, a shoulder injury ended his season.
Fast forward to this year, and it’s been a different story. Mukhamadullin hasn’t quite found that same gear.
He’s averaging just 16:30 of ice time per game, and he’s been a healthy scratch on more than one occasion. Through 13 games, he’s recorded a goal and five points - flashes of his offensive upside, but not quite the consistency the Sharks are hoping for.
This is where development gets tricky. Do you ride out the growing pains and let a young defenseman play through his mistakes? Or do you pull back when the mistakes start to pile up, especially if they’re costing you games?
Warsofsky is trying to strike that balance in real time. The Sharks are a team in transition, and Mukhamadullin is a big part of their future. But development isn’t linear - and for a young defenseman, especially one adjusting to the NHL game, there are going to be bumps along the way.
The key for San Jose? Managing those bumps without losing sight of the long-term vision.
Mukhamadullin has shown he can handle big minutes. Now it’s about helping him rediscover that confidence and consistency, while making sure each mistake is a learning opportunity - not a step backward.