- Editor's Note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
The San Jose Sharks have called up defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin.
Down Mario Ferraro, Ty Emberson, Jacob MacDonald, and possibly more defensemen, the Sharks look like they’re giving their top defensive prospect his first NHL shot.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The Sharks host the Buffalo Sabres at 1 p.m. PT on Saturday.
The 2020 first-round pick, acquired from the New Jersey Devils last January in the Timo Meier trade, has been impressive in his first full AHL season, posting five goals and 21 assists in 39 games. Those 26 points are 10th among AHL defensemen in scoring.
But along with Mukhamadullin’s instant offensive success, his game has been improving with the Barracuda too.