Shakir Mukhamadullin arrives in Edmonton with Mike Babcock after revealing why his relationship with the San Jose Sharks reached its end.
The 24-year-old defenceman was acquired alongside Zack Sharp when the Oilers sent Darnell Nurse to San Jose on July 1.
Before that trade happened, Mukhamadullin says the Sharks tried to keep him with more than one contract proposal.
“There were offers. Two of them. We just turned them down, we didn't come to an agreement, so to speak.”
His frustration went deeper than negotiations. Mukhamadullin traced the growing separation back to last season and his handling while dealing with injuries.
“The thought that our paths might separate probably showed up during the season, when that situation with the injured list came up. It had built up in me by then. That was when I gave a pretty frank interview and said I was unhappy with my ice time and with the situation in general.”
Mukhamadullin now has to earn his place in Edmonton
Mukhamadullin played 50 games for San Jose last season, recording 5 goals and 7 assists while establishing himself as a regular NHL option.
Edmonton quickly made its commitment after the trade, signing him to a 2-year contract carrying a $1,750,000 annual cap hit.
But a contract doesn't guarantee Mukhamadullin a spot in Babcock's lineup. Edmonton enters camp with several options on the blue line and competition for minutes.
The 6-foot-4 defender already understands what comes next. He isn't expecting the Oilers to hand him the role that he wanted in San Jose.
“I had some doubts, honestly. But I'm not scared. I'm not going there for easy conditions. I'm going to fight for a spot, so I have to be ready for anything.”
That attitude makes training camp one of Edmonton's more interesting internal battles. Mukhamadullin has the size, reach and mobility to give Babcock another option, but he'll have to win his minutes.
For Edmonton, the Nurse trade created much more than salary flexibility. It also brought in a young defenceman who believes he's ready for a bigger opportunity.
Now Mukhamadullin gets exactly what he wanted: a fresh start and a chance to show he can handle more.
Will Shakir Mukhamadullin earn a regular spot under Mike Babcock?
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