San Jose Sharks fans don’t have to travel far to see some of the organization’s potential future NHL players.<\/p>\n
The San Jose Barracuda<\/a> share the same city as their NHL parent club, while the Wichita Thunder<\/a> return as San Jose’s ECHL affiliate for another season.<\/p>\n Here’s what Sharks fans should know about San Jose’s AHL and ECHL affiliates entering 2026-27.<\/p>\n Who Are The San Jose Sharks’ AHL And ECHL Affiliates?<\/p>\n The San Jose Barracuda<\/a> are the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, while the Wichita Thunder<\/a> serve as the organization’s ECHL affiliate.<\/p>\n The Barracuda play at Tech CU Arena in San Jose and enter their 12th AHL season in 2026-27.<\/p>\n San Jose renewed its affiliation with Wichita in August, extending the partnership into a fifth season.<\/p>\n Why Sharks Fans Should Watch The San Jose Barracuda<\/p>\n The Barracuda could feature several prospects pushing toward NHL opportunities this season.<\/p>\n Head coach John McCarthy returns to lead the group, which opens its 72-game schedule Oct. 3 against the San Diego Gulls at Tech CU Arena.<\/p>\n San Jose Sharks Prospects To Watch With The Barracuda<\/p>\n Quentin Musty: The 2023 first-round pick scored 21 goals and recorded 45 points in 61 AHL games last season. Musty will compete for an NHL roster spot in training camp but could remain a major part of the Barracuda if he doesn’t make the Sharks immediately.<\/p>\n Filip Bystedt: Bystedt led the Barracuda with 60 points in 65 games, including 22 goals. The 2022 first-round pick enters 2026-27 trying to force his way into San Jose’s NHL plans.<\/p>\n Cam Lund: The former Northeastern forward is part of the young group expected to feature prominently for the Barracuda. Lund already has professional experience in San Jose’s system and remains one of the organization’s developing forwards to watch.<\/p>\n Luca Cagnoni: The defenseman recorded eight goals and 43 points in 67 AHL games last season while also appearing in three NHL games for San Jose.<\/p>\n Ivar Stenberg Is The Sharks Prospect Everyone Will Be Watching<\/p>\n San Jose selected Ivar Stenberg with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.<\/p>\n The 18-year-old recorded 33 points in 43 games for Fr\u00f6lunda HC in Sweden last season and signed his entry-level contract with San Jose in July.<\/p>\n Stenberg will play in North America this season, and NHL.com projects his NHL arrival for 2026-27. That makes where he begins the season one of San Jose’s biggest training-camp questions.<\/p>\n Who Are The Wichita Thunder?<\/p>\n