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Sharks update: Another defenseman injured, first schedule quirk arrives, Gushchin trade tree grows

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/10 .. ule-quirk-arrives-gushchin-trade-tree-grows.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 12:06 GMT by East Bay Times
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Sharks’ Prospects Show Promise, But Challenges Remain as Season Approaches

The San Jose Sharks are entering a period of significant transition, relying heavily on their prospect pool to bolster a roster still rebuilding after years of struggles. Recent performances and developments involving several key prospects offer glimpses of potential while also highlighting the hurdles facing their integration into the NHL lineup. A recent article in the East Bay Times details the progress – and occasional setbacks – of players like Shakir Mukhamadullin, Danil Gushchin, and Vincent Iorio as they navigate different levels of professional hockey.

Shakir Mukhamadullin, a defenseman drafted 10th overall in 2020, represents perhaps the most intriguing prospect currently vying for a Sharks roster spot. After two seasons with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL, Mukhamadullin spent last season split between the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda and the Cleveland Monsters (affiliated with Columbus). The article notes that his offensive capabilities are undeniable; he possesses a powerful shot and excellent vision from the blue line. However, consistency and defensive responsibility have been areas needing improvement. His time in Cleveland was intended to address these concerns, providing him with more focused coaching on aspects of his game beyond puck movement.

Mukhamadullin’s training camp performance has reportedly been strong, suggesting he's taken steps toward addressing those deficiencies. The Sharks are evaluating whether he is ready for a full-time NHL role or if another stint in the AHL would be more beneficial for his development. The article emphasizes that while Mukhamadullin possesses high potential, patience will be key to ensuring his long-term success. His defensive zone coverage and physicality remain areas of focus.

Danil Gushchin, a winger drafted 116th overall in 2021, has rapidly ascended through the Sharks’ system. He spent last season primarily with the Barracuda, showcasing impressive offensive instincts and scoring ability. The article highlights his adaptability; he can play both wing positions effectively and possesses good hockey sense. Gushchin's performance earned him a brief NHL call-up late in the previous campaign, providing valuable experience at the highest level. He registered one goal and two assists in four games.

The expectation is that Gushchin will be competing for a roster spot this season. His offensive contributions are needed given the Sharks’ scoring challenges. However, his smaller stature (listed at 5'10") presents a potential disadvantage against larger NHL opponents. He needs to continue adding strength and refining his defensive positioning to maximize his impact. The article suggests that while he has shown considerable progress, continued development in all areas of his game will be crucial for sustained success.

Vincent Iorio, a defenseman drafted 92nd overall in 2021, presents a different profile. He’s known for his physicality and defensive reliability. After spending the previous two seasons with the Barracuda, he was recently traded to the Utah Mammoth of the American Hockey League as part of a larger deal involving the Cleveland Monsters. This move signifies an opportunity for Iorio to gain more playing time and potentially accelerate his development. The article suggests that while Iorio’s offensive upside is limited compared to Mukhamadullin, his defensive acumen and willingness to engage physically could make him a valuable contributor in a bottom-six role.

The trade itself reflects the Sharks' broader strategy of evaluating their prospects and optimizing their developmental pathways. Sending Iorio to Utah allows him to play more consistently, which may be difficult to achieve within the Barracuda’s roster structure. The Mammoth are affiliated with Columbus, providing another avenue for potential NHL exposure down the line.

Beyond these three players, the Sharks have other prospects progressing through the system, including forward Nico Gregor and defenseman Henry Ryzko. While their immediate impact on the NHL team may be less significant, they represent part of a larger pipeline of talent that the organization hopes to cultivate.

The article concludes by emphasizing that while the Sharks’ prospect pool offers considerable promise, translating potential into consistent NHL performance remains a challenge. The upcoming season will provide crucial insights into how these young players develop and whether they can contribute meaningfully to the team's rebuilding efforts. The decisions made regarding their playing time and developmental assignments will be critical in shaping their long-term trajectories and ultimately impacting the Sharks’ future success.

[ https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/10/17/san-jose-sharks-update-shakir-mukhamadullin-pittsburgh-penguins-utah-mammoth-danil-gushchin-vincent-iorio/ ]