The San Jose Sharks have recalled defense prospect Luca Cagnoni from the San Jose Barracuda, with three games remaining in the season.
With Saturday’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Sharks’ playoff chances are all but done. With a magic number of elimination at 1, it appears the team is now looking to the future. Cagnoni has bided his time in the American Hockey League this season and has had another promising year.
The 21-year-old hasn’t had the same offensive punch he did in 24-25, but he’s remained productive in all areas of the ice. In 67 games, Cagnoni scored eight goals and 35 assists. His main focus this season has been improving his defense, but naturally, his best attributes as a power-play QB and a player who can make a good breakout pass are exactly what the Sharks need.
The San Jose Sharks have found some life on the power play as of late, but overall, this season, a proper QB has been missing. It took until the final 15 games of the season to solidify Dmitry Orlov’s spot on the first unit, but Cagnoni could take that spot for the remainder of the season.
Cagnoni has already been recalled to the San Jose Sharks this season, but did not play. Early in the season, the Sharks were on a road trip through New York, and John Klingberg was dealing with an injury. Coach Ryan Warsofsky deemed the prospect a “backup plan.”
With playoffs almost completely out the window, giving prospects like Cagnoni an early audition for a full-time spot next season is the right move.
‘Cuda have clinched a playoff spot, and while they can improve their position, why not start bringing up the kids from the farm? Even better that the #SJSharks aren’t mathematically out, give them a chance to feel the intensity before they go on a playoff run.
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) April 10, 2026
The Sharks visit the Nashville Predators on Monday with hopes of ending their 15-game losing streak against the franchise.