San Jose Barracuda Gamers to Watch – The Hockey Writers –

With the San Jose Sharks roster set for opening evening, the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL) have their roster nearly set as properly. Some gamers will possible be despatched to the ECHL to start out the season with the Wichita Thunder, however on the very least we all know some key gamers for the Barracuda to control this season. 

Filip Bystedt

The Sharks’ first-round decide in 2022, Filip Bystedt is getting into a essential yr for his growth. He was minimize from Sharks coaching camp a lot sooner than anticipated, and must have a powerful season with the Barracuda if he hopes to make an look within the NHL anytime quickly. In his North American debut final season, he recorded seven factors in eight video games, 4 of which had been objectives. If he can sustain the same tempo over the course of the AHL season, then issues will definitely be trying good for the 20-year-old ahead. If he can’t, then it’ll definitely be regarding. 

Luca Cagnoni 

The Sharks had fairly a number of tough selections to make main as much as the deadline for his or her opening evening roster being submitted. One in every of them was whether or not or not Luca Cagnoni had impressed them sufficient to justify a spot on that roster. In the end, he was reassigned to the Barracuda and can begin his first skilled season within the AHL.

Cagnoni is a participant who may see a while within the NHL this season if he will get off to a scorching begin. Anticipate him to quarterback one of many Barracuda’s energy play items and probably even play on the penalty kill a bit. He’s extra well-known for his offensive capability, however over the past 12 months, his defensive recreation has taken huge strides as properly. 

Ethan Cardwell

One other one of many Sharks’ remaining cuts this season was Ethan Cardwell. He put up a powerful combat for considered one of their bottom-six ahead spots, however in the end an abundance of NHL-caliber forwards triggered him to be despatched again to the Barracuda. 

Associated: Get to Know San Jose Sharks Prospect Ethan Cardwell

Cardwell’s getting into his second skilled season and his capability each offensively and defensively ought to assist the Sharks’ AHL affiliate tremendously. Given the quantity of depth on the NHL roster, it’s unlikely we see him at that degree till probably after the commerce deadline. 

Luke Grainger

Though he possible doesn’t have the upside to make it to the NHL, Luke Grainger was a standout on the 2024 Rookie Faceoff and has the flexibility to grow to be a helpful participant on the AHL degree. The 25-year-old performed two video games with the Barracuda final season after leaving Western Michigan College of the NCAA, a staff which he captained. 

Grainger’s appearances with the Barracuda had been whereas he was signed to an beginner tryout, now he’s on an AHL contract and is in a major place to start out what could possibly be a really respectable AHL profession. 

Valtteri Pulli

Coming into his second season in North America, Valtteri Pulli is rather more snug and has had time to adapt to the smaller ice floor. He performed properly final season with the Barracuda, however now the 6-foot-6 defenseman has a possibility to show that he has what it takes to be an influence participant on this facet of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Whereas he isn’t projected to have a excessive ceiling on the NHL degree, a participant with Pulli’s body could possibly be excellent for the Sharks’ backside pairing within the close to future. With that being stated although, he’s going to wish to enhance considerably to attain that purpose. He’ll undoubtedly be an fascinating participant to comply with this season.

The Sharks aren’t the one hockey staff on the town value maintaining a tally of this season. Head coach John McCarthy wants the Barracuda to enhance considerably, and these gamers can definitely assist make that occur.