SAN JOSE – In a strategic move to strengthen their defense, the San Jose Sharks recently signed free agent Dmitry Orlov and claimed Nick Leddy off waivers, following the acquisition of John Klingberg. This flurry of activity has left the Sharks with a surplus of defensemen, prompting questions about the team’s next steps.
The Sharks now boast eight defensemen on one-way contracts, with none eligible for waivers. This abundance suggests potential trades to address other team needs. However, Sharks General Manager Mike Grier remains open to starting the season with all eight defensemen, stating, “We’ll figure it out. If we get to that point and however the competition shakes out, and whoever plays well, I think we’re prepared to kind of just figure it out from there.”
Strategic Implications of the Defensive Additions
After consecutive last-place finishes in the NHL standings, the Sharks are keen on improving their roster. Yet, they must balance immediate improvements with long-term development, especially for promising players like Shakir Mukhamadullin. The 23-year-old defenseman, a first-round draft pick in 2020, is poised to be a cornerstone of the Sharks’ blue line for years to come.
Last season, Mukhamadullin emerged as a key player following the trades of Cody Ceci and Jake Walman. Before a shoulder injury ended his season in April, he averaged over 21 minutes of ice time and was the Sharks’ leading scorer on defense.
“I think he’s made huge strides, one of our most improved players this year,” said Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky. “He’s long, he can skate, he can make plays.”
Balancing Veteran Presence and Young Talent
The Sharks’ revamped defense includes Mukhamadullin, Mario Ferraro, Orlov, Leddy, and Henry Thrun on the left side, with Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren, and Vincent Desharnais on the right. As training camp approaches, the competition among these players will be intense.
Warsofsky will need to strategically manage playing time to ensure that young talents like Mukhamadullin and Thrun continue to develop. The Sharks’ roster strategy must prevent benching these players for extended periods, as their growth is crucial for the team’s future success.
The Sharks’ current roster situation also provides Warsofsky with more veteran options in critical game situations. This could be invaluable when protecting a late one-goal lead, with experienced players like Ferraro, Orlov, Leddy, and Klingberg likely featuring in the opening night lineup.
Future Prospects and Development
Mukhamadullin’s development is particularly significant, as he is expected to play a major role in the Sharks’ long-term plans. As a restricted free agent next summer, his performance this season will be closely monitored. The Sharks aim to determine whether Mukhamadullin can evolve into a top-four NHL defenseman by season’s end.
The Sharks’ focus on nurturing their young core, including prospects like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund, Collin Graf, and Yaroslav Askarov, is essential for their ambition to become playoff contenders in the near future. Ensuring that these players gain valuable NHL experience is a priority, even as the team seeks to improve its current standings.
As the Sharks navigate their roster decisions, the blend of veteran presence and emerging talent will be crucial in shaping the team’s trajectory. The upcoming season will be a test of strategic balance, as the Sharks strive to enhance their competitiveness while fostering the growth of their future stars.
