Shakir Mukhamadullin will be a healthy scratch for the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.

Despite scoring two assists, Mukhamadullin only played 12:45 against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Sharks’ d-man also took two stick penalties, ones that coaches often dislike the most.

Sam Dickinson will play his first NHL game in place of Mukhamadullin. Dmitry Orlov will shift to the right with Dickinson joining the lineup.

With the Sharks wanting more results this season, Mukhamadullin becomes the odd man out, at least for Saturday. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky spoke to reporters about why he is choosing to scratch Mukhamadullin.

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“I thought there were some things that he needs to continue to work on. I thought he got his legs moving as the game went on,” Warsofsky said. Obviously, the penalties, we’ve got to continue to work with him on controlling his stick and moving his legs more. I don’t think he played bad by any means.”

Warsofsky was pressed about what things he wants to see Mukhamadullin work on.

“Just his puck battles. Going back for pucks. Getting first touch on pucks,” the Sharks head coach said. “I think when he’s skating, he’s very effective. Start the game on time.”

Per Natural Stat Trick, Mukhamadullin and Orlov finished the game with a positive expected goals for compared to against (xGA). However, both Sharks defensemen led the team in scoring chances against with eight.

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Tonight will be game two of 82. Warsofsky emphasized that he still has high praise and hope for Mukhamadullin. Part of his thinking is that he wants to get other players in the lineup.

“He’s gonna be a good player. Early in the season, we want to get some guys in there,” Warsofsky said. “I thought the other pairs were pretty good.”

There isn’t a sure-fire way to know how long Mukhamadullin will remain out of the San Jose Sharks lineup, but it doesn’t appear that he will be sitting for long.

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