What Do Mukhamadullin, Thompson Need To Improve To Become NHL Regulars? (+)

There should be plenty of opportunity for the San Jose Sharks’ young defensemen the rest of this season.

Their top shutdown blueliner Cody Ceci was dealt to the Dallas Stars last week.

Pending UFA Jan Rutta, currently nursing a week-to-week lower-body injury, is another Trade Deadline candidate. San Jose Sharks’ Quarter Century first-teamer Marc-Edouard Vlasic isn’t an everyday defenseman anymore. Mario Ferraro, as usual, is in trade rumors.

Right now, Shakir Mukhamadullin, 23, and Jack Thompson, 22, are trying to establish themselves as NHL regulars.

What is head coach Ryan Warsofsky looking for from them? What do NHL scouts think of their seasons? And what do Stathletes’ micro-stats show?