Sharks’ Disgruntled Defenseman Could Miss Weekend Games Due to Personal Reasons

San Jose Sharks defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin was a healthy scratch against the Calgary Flames on Thursday and could miss the weekend’s games.

According to Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky, the defenseman didn’t take part in an optional practice on Friday due to personal reasons.

Mukhamadullin voiced his frustration about his season to the Mercury News.

“Honestly, I’m not happy with how my season is going,” Mukhamaduklin told the Bay Area News Group. “Not playing that many games. Also have, like, small ice time. When I play, every time, it’s 13, 14 minutes.”

Mukhamadullin has played 26 games for the San Jose Sharks this season. The 24-year-old had a promising finish to the 24-25 season, but it was cut short by injury. Unfortunately, the momentum couldn’t be maintained, whether due to a healthy scratch or an injury, Mukhamadullin just hasn’t had a consistent spot.

“I thought he did some really good things and was solid in some areas that we’ve asked him to improve at,” Warsofsky said after morning skate on Thursday. “There’s obviously a little way to go as far as being a big guy and defending with some jam and making the right play and scanning the ice and those things that we’ve talked about with him. I think he’s taking it a step.”

When pressed for more details on whether injuries and lack of play time have hindered his development, the San Jose Sharks coach admitted that it could be playing a part.

“I think the injuries weigh that down a little bit. If he’s healthy, we’re probably seeing a different player right now,” Warsofsky said. “Every player goes through different situations in their career, and not every path to develop into a full-time consistent NHL player is direct.”

Mukhamadullin has done his best to stay positive in a time when it can be incredibly hard to.

“But it is what it is. Just try to stay positive every day. Just a lot of thinking in my head right now about my season, but just stay positive and just prepare for every game and be ready,” Mukhamadullin said.