Sharks Recall Top Barracuda Defenseman for NHL Stint

21-year-old Luca Cagnoni gets another chance to prove himself at the NHL level.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:26pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the angular, overlapping movements of a hockey defenseman, rendered in a vibrant color palette of blues, reds, and yellows.A cubist interpretation of a young defenseman's dynamic movements on the ice, reflecting the Sharks' efforts to develop their next generation of talent.Chicago Today

The San Jose Sharks have recalled top-scoring defenseman Luca Cagnoni from their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. Cagnoni, a 21-year-old left-shot defenseman, has 8 goals and 35 assists in 67 games with the Barracuda this season. He previously played 6 games with the Sharks late last season, recording 2 assists.

Why it matters

The Sharks are looking to fill holes on their defense corps, with several key players set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. Cagnoni's recall gives the young prospect another opportunity to showcase his skills at the NHL level and potentially earn a full-time roster spot with the Sharks next season.

The details

Cagnoni, a 4th round draft pick by the Sharks in 2023, turned pro last season after a standout junior career with the Portland Winterhawks, where he recorded 193 points in 205 games. In his first full professional season with the Barracuda, Cagnoni has emerged as one of the top scoring defensemen in the AHL. The Sharks are currently on the outside of the playoff picture and could be eliminated as soon as Monday when they face the Nashville Predators.

  • Cagnoni was recalled by the Sharks on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • He previously played 6 games with the Sharks late last season.
  • Cagnoni was recalled by the Sharks in mid-October of this season but did not play in a game.

The players

Luca Cagnoni

A 21-year-old left-shot defenseman who is currently the top-scoring defenseman for the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL, with 8 goals and 35 assists in 67 games this season. Cagnoni was drafted by the Sharks in the 4th round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Dmitry Orlov

A defenseman for the San Jose Sharks who is signed past this season, unlike several of his teammates on the blue line.

Sam Dickinson

A defenseman for the San Jose Sharks who is signed past this season, unlike several of his teammates on the blue line.

Mario Ferraro

A defenseman for the San Jose Sharks who is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

Nick Leddy

A defenseman for the San Jose Sharks who is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

John Klingberg

A defenseman for the San Jose Sharks who is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

Vincent Desharnais

A defenseman for the San Jose Sharks who is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

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What they’re saying

“Cagnoni has emerged as one of the top scoring defensemen in the AHL this season, and we're excited to give him another look at the NHL level as we evaluate our roster for next year.”

— Mike Grier, General Manager, San Jose Sharks

What’s next

The Sharks will evaluate Cagnoni's performance during their final three games of the regular season, as they look to fill holes on their defense corps for next year.

The takeaway

The Sharks' recall of Luca Cagnoni represents an opportunity for the young defenseman to prove he deserves a full-time roster spot with the NHL club next season, as the team faces an uncertain future on the blue line with several key players set to hit free agency.