Button Ranks Smith Over Michkov, Has Mukhamadullin in Top-50 NHL Prospects

Craig Button has ranked two San Jose Sharks prospects in his list of the top-5o NHL-affiliated prospects.

Will Smith—the Sharks’ fourth-overall pick in 2023—was ranked third, behind only Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier and Carolina’s Alexander Nikishin. Smith, who has 16 goals and 46 points in just 29 games with Boston College this season, was also listed as an ‘elite’ player on Button’s list.

Of note, Button had Smith just ahead of high-scoring winger Matvei Michkov, who’s enjoying a spectacular KHL season. For some San Jose Sharks fans, Michkov and not Smith was the popular choice for the No. 4 pick. The Philadelphia Flyers took Michkov at No. 7.

Shakir Mukhamadullin, ranked 31st by Button, has shown glimpses of greatness in his brief NHL stint and AHL All Star-worthy season. The 6-foot-4, 22-year-old defenseman has six goals and 27 points in 45 games in his first full AHL season. Button projected him as a future top-four defensemen in his list.

Of course, there were snubs, notably Quentin Musty, who seems to be outplaying his 26th-overall in 2023 draft slot by tallying 28 goals and 69 points in 39 OHL games as an 18-year-old.

But it’s good to see Smith and Mukhamadullin get their due!

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

If a team wants Mikael Granlund, head coach David Quinn wants them to “pay up.”

Quinn: ‘If you want to talk about Mikael Granlund, you gotta pay up. I don’t want him going anywhere’

Alexander Barabanov discusses his COVID diagnosis in December and looming trade rumors.

The San Jose Sharks will learn more soon about injuries sustained by two of their top prospects.

Could Jacob MacDonald‘s role with the Sharks be a sign of things to come in the NHL?

IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS

The San Jose Sharks will be celebrating Black History at their game next week.

One week away❗️

Be at The Tank as we celebrate Black History on Feb. 29!

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) February 22, 2024

Check out the “State of the Barracuda” with Sharks Assistant GM Joe Will.

Thousands of dollars in winnings from the Sharks’ 50/50 raffle have gone unclaimed.

AROUND THE NHL…

Sounds like #VGK Mark Stone is dealing with a lacerated spleen. Timeline is tough to pin down with an injury of that nature, but it’s obviously a significant one. https://t.co/ifFEKOGS41

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 22, 2024

The New Jersey Devils add their first jersey sponsor.

What makes Michael Rasmussen the ultimate team player?

The Milwaukee Admirals have the second-longest win streak in AHL history.

The Montreal Canadiens are using the waiver wire to add roster depth.

Colin Blackwell is a great role model for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Some interesting trends have led to the Calgary Flames‘ poor results.

The OHL is investigating the Sudbury Wolves due to ‘bounty’ accusations.

Four years ago today, 42-year-old David Ayres stepped in and made 8 saves for the @Canes, earning the win over Toronto.#NHL | #CauseChaos pic.twitter.com/TFmxguuoJA

— Hockey Reference (@hockey_ref) February 22, 2024

John Tortorella compares Travis Konecny to Artemi Panarin.