San Jose Sharks Prospect Luca Cagnoni Grabs Attention in Training Camp and AHL
According to San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky, 2023 fourth-round draft pick Luca Cagnoni has turned heads during team practices and intrasquad scrimmages.
Coaching Staff and Teammates Evaluate Cagnoni’s Defensive Progress
While Cagnoni’s offensive output has never been in question—evidenced by his prolific production in the Western Hockey League and 95 points across 131 career American Hockey League regular season games with the Barracuda—his ability to defend against larger players remains a primary evaluation metric for the NHL roster. Warsofsky noted that Cagnoni’s details in D-zone coverage, box-outs, and rush defense have advanced significantly. Teammate Michael Kesselring described the blueliner as an offensive spark plug who can effectively get involved in the play. However, physical tests have emerged during camp, including an instance where 6-foot-4, 212-pound center Zack Ostapchuk successfully dumped Cagnoni into the boards during a battle drill, underscoring the ongoing physical adjustments required at the highest level.
Roster Competition and Deployment Strategy for the Sharks
The Sharks have active openings for a sixth and seventh defenseman on their 23-man roster as the preseason schedule opens against the Anaheim Ducks. Earning and keeping an NHL spot will depend entirely on Cagnoni’s consistency against heavier competition. Looking back at his recent trajectory, Cagnoni transitioned rapidly from his first development camp in 2023—where Warsofsky likened him to a deer in the headlights—to tallying 47 points in 56 games as an AHL rookie. That performance earned him an NHL recall from management, replacing Barracuda captain Jimmy Schuldt on the roster and setting up a pairing with 6-foot-7 defenseman Vincent Desharnais, with Warsofsky quipping that the pairing averages out their heights.
Ivar Stenberg Shines Early in Rookie Camp
Alongside Cagnoni’s camp performance, 18-year-old winger Ivar Stenberg has impressed the coaching staff. Selected second overall in the NHL draft, Stenberg has skated on a line with Alexander Wennberg and Collin Graf. Warsofsky highlighted Stenberg’s hockey sense and quick adaptation to team systems, noting that after reviewing video clips during practice, the forward implements instructions within minutes with the on-ice assistance of Wennberg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Luca Cagnoni play?
Luca Cagnoni plays defense, primarily shooting from the left side while demonstrating versatility by handling right-side defensive pairings.
How tall is Luca Cagnoni?
Luca Cagnoni is listed at 5-foot-9.
Which team drafted Luca Cagnoni?
The San Jose Sharks selected Luca Cagnoni in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL draft.
What are Ivar Stenberg’s main strengths according to the coaching staff?
According to Ryan Warsofsky, Ivar Stenberg stands out for his high hockey sense, ice vision, and ability to quickly learn and execute team systems.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on training camp battles for the sixth and seventh defensemen spots, as coaching staffs heavily weigh defensive zone details and physical resilience alongside raw offensive production when finalizing Opening Night rosters.
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