Mike Babcock, Shakir Mukhamadullin’s new head coach, is not one to tolerate apologies.
The headline of the transaction that sent Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks was the 24-year-old defenseman’s arrival.
At 6-foot-4, Mukhamadullin is big enough and quick enough to eventually become an everyday NHL defender.
However, he also has a history of speaking out publicly about ice time, and this behavior might clash with Babcock’s character.
Babcock established his renown on a no-nonsense approach from the bench. He has always been impatient with the media’s talk of using depth players.
On a Sharks club that allowed goals throughout the season, Mukhamadullin ended with minus-3 last season, scoring 5 goals and 7 assists.
That number does say something. A minus-3 from a young defenseman isn’t damning, it’s almost encouraging, on a poor roster.
Following the Oilers’ blockbuster transaction, warning signs appear for Mike Babcock.
Blueliners require more time to mature than forwards, and the statistics support this. A rookie mistake on the back end can lead to an immediate goal against.
It is frequently stated in scouting circles that defensemen need between 200 and 300 NHL games before the position completely clicks. Mukhamadullin has almost 50.
Is this Babcock’s guy or another young player who is punished for saying the incorrect thing at the wrong time?
Instead of sending young defensemen away, coaches such as Babcock have previously molded them and helped them overcome difficulties.
Although it comes with a downside, that background gives Mukhamadullin a glimmer of optimism. In addition, Babcock has no interest in players who voice their complaints via the media.
The pressure only grows since Mattias Ekholm is still firmly entrenched on Edmonton’s blue line after last season’s performance of 41 points and a plus-32 rating.
Under a new coaching staff last season, the Oilers went 41-30-11 for 93 points, placing them in the middle of the standings.
Stan Bowman brought in Babcock in June, hoping that a stronger hand could advance a talented but erratic squad further than last spring’s performance.
Mukhamadullin must now demonstrate that he belongs in the lineup without giving his new coach any excuse to bury him.
Oilers supporters will learn everything they need to know about his longevity in Edmonton from how he responds to his first challenging period and what he says publicly if it does occur.
