Defense is a major headache for a lot of San Jose Sharks fans, but solace can be found in the strong group of defensive prospects within the system. One young defenseman, in particular, seems ready to make the jump from AHL to NHL and solidify his spot on the roster: left-handed Luca Cagnoni. With Cagnoni’s readiness, and Sam Dickinson’s need for more development, he almost certainly has earned his place on the team.
A determined firecracker, standing at just 5-foot-9 inches, Cagnoni has always been the underdog prepared to fight for his right to play hockey. When he was 15-years-old, Luca Cagnoni stood at a mere 5-foot-two inches and weighed a maximum 145 pounds. Although hockey has become a sport of speed and skill, size continues to be a factor. Considering his lack of height, teams were not willing to take a risk on him and therefore he was not drafted into the WHL. He did receive an invitation to two training camps, but seemingly nothing came of it.
However, Cagnoni would persevere. Returning to his AAA team in Burnaby for a singular game, he caught the eye of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. Thanks to COVID, WHL teams were allowed more flexibility and expansion on their rosters…the perfect opportunity for Cagnoni. Yes, it took just one game for the organization to decide they needed to get their hands on the young defenseman. The rest was history, and he received a call up from Portland and played 10 games (and notched three assists) in the 2020-2021 season.
He entered his true WHL rookie season in the 2021-2022 season, and showed he was worth the risk. Taking absolutely no time to adjust, Cagnoni managed 36 points (9G, 27A) and +32 in 63 games his rookie year. He also adjusted nicely to playoff pressure, recording 3 points (1G, 2A) in 11 games. Having acclimated to juniors, Cagnoni went into his next season confident.
The 2022-2023 season, Cagnoni’s draft year, was a defining season for him. Stepping it up to the next level, Luca Cagnoni managed to almost double his output from the previous season. In 67 games played for the Winterhawks, Cagnoni scored 64 points (11G, 47A) and +11. He again was instrumental to his team’s playoff performance, notching 7 points (1G, 6A) in nine games. With such an uptick in production, he was named to the WHL (US) Second All-Star Team.
While his size was a deterrent at many points of his career, it wasn’t for the Sharks. An organization famous for world-class scouts, the Sharks had their eye on Cagnoni and were aware of his capabilities. Adding yet another player to their list of hidden gems, the Sharks drafted Cagnoni 123rd overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. While his size, or lack thereof, discouraged many teams from selecting him, it’s never been an issue for Cagnoni who has never shied away from physicality.
Riding the high of the draft, and ever growing self-confidence, Cagnoni was ready to dominate his final year in the WHL. Skyrocketing his production to a whole new level, Luca Cagnoni firmly commanded the WHL. In his final 65 WHL games, Cagnoni put up a league leading 90 points and 72 assists (18G, +47). In fact, he became the first WHL defenseman to record at least 90 points since Shane Peacock…30 years prior (1993-1994). Following such a fantastic final season, Cagnoni earned a spot on the CHL Third All-Star Team and WHL (US) First-All Star Team, plus an NHL contract.
With an NHL contract in hand, ready to make a name for himself, Cagnoni again made the transition look easy. Ready to show the world why they should’ve never doubted him, Cagnoni ran full steam ahead into his AHL rookie campaign. While he did make six appearances for the Sharks, and recorded two assists in those six games, the majority of his season was played in the AHL. In his 64 games played with the Barracuda, he had 52 points (16G, 36A) and led all skaters in powerplay points (32). Additionally, he confidently played his first professional playoffs with three assists in six games. With such an outstanding rookie season, Cagnoni became the first ever Barracuda defenseman, and only the second ever Barracuda player ever, to be named to the AHL All-Rookie Team.
Now, Cagnoni is ready to make the jump to become a full-time NHL player. This past season with the Barracuda, he recorded 43 points (8G, 35A) in 67 games. Although an undersized defenseman, his 43 points were the fifth most on the team and his 35 assists were the second most. He eventually got the call to join the Sharks late in the season, where he played three games. In those three games, he was a beacon of confidence crashing the net, jumping back to defend the blue line, using his body to move along the play, and even getting some powerplay time. Although their playoff appearance was short-lived, he then went back to the Barracuda to play two playoff games and record an assist.
A defiant underdog who never takes no for an answer, Cagnoni has fought tooth and nail to get to where he is now. As a kid his former skills coach, Leland Mack, constantly drilled the importance of being a complete, two-way player into Cagnoni’s head. The equal value of offense and defense held has been apparent throughout his whole career, and has helped Cagnoni become the elite player he is. Despite his size, and what all his doubters said, he’s ready to become a recurring piece of the San Jose Sharks. His confidence, skill, and fearlessness (especially when it comes to playing the body) has had extremely positive effects on the rest of the Sharks roster…especially young Sam Dickinson. However, who gets the spot opening night? Cagnoni or Dickinson? While they’re very different players, until they can define their individual roles they seemingly will be used interchangeably (powerplay and offensive rushes). Only time will tell, but for now the favor seems to be leaning towards Cagnoni.
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