General Manager Mike Grier is making some moves as the Sharks get things squared away before the draft and free agency. On Thursday, the team announced a new, one-year contract with defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin worth $1 million.
“Shakir earned the opportunity to be a part of the Sharks, and was able to get some valuable experience playing against quality opponents that helped aid his development,” said Grier. “We look forward to his continued growth in the upcoming season.”
The 23-year-old Mukhamadullin split his season between the Sharks and the Barracuda this past season, before he suffered a season ending shoulder injury. He had surgery, but is expected to be ready in time for training camp in the fall.
Mukhamadullin is expected to compete for a spot on the Sharks’ blueline next season and likely has an inside track for one of the six starting positions.
Sharks part ways with Andrew Poturalski
As expected, the San Jose Sharks have parted ways with forward Andrew Poturalski. The 31-year-old forward had one more season on his contract with the team, however, he wanted to pursue opportunities outside of North America.
“I am grateful to the Sharks organization for allowing me to experience something different before the end of my career,” said Poturalski. “The Sharks are a first-class organization, and it has been great playing for them”.
“We thank Andrew for his contributions to the San Jose organization and wish him and his family all the best,” said Sharks Assistant General Manager Joe Will.
Poturalski was the top scorer for the Barracuda this past season. He received the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL’s most valuable player. He was also named to the first all-star team.
It’s expected that Poturalski will play in Europe or Russia where he will earn more money than he would in the AHL.
Sharks issue offers to three players, allow two others to walk
The team has also issued bona fide offers to three players from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, meaning the team will retain their negotiating rights. Earlier today, the team announced it issued offers to:
- Nate Misskey (D – UMass – Lowell)
- Colton Roberts (D – Vancouver Giants)
- Carson Wetsch (F – Kelowna Rockets)
Last season, 20-year-old Misskey scored 47 points in 63 games with the Victoria Royals of the WHL. He also had a plus-24 rating. He is expected to play for UMass – Lowell in the NCAA next season. 18-year-old Roberts scored 36 points in 66 games with Vancouver in the WHL last season and had 84 penalty minutes. Meantime, 19-year-old Wetsch scored 52 points in 68 games in the WHL last season.
Players who did not receive offers by the June 1 deadline will re-enter the NHL draft. Among those players not signed are:
- Theo Jacobsson – (F – Nybro Vikings – Allsvenskan)
- Evgeni Kashnikov (D – Yekaterinburg – KHL)
