What's next for Luca Cagnoni?
The San Jose Sharks prospect became the first defenseman to score 90 points in the WHL since Shane Peacock 30 years ago. The 5-foot-9 defenseman, who signed an entry-level contract, could play in the WHL or move on to professional hockey next season.
Sharks sign high-scoring defensive prospect
But that will be difficult as the San Jose Sharks signed two players yesterday, minor league defensemen Lucas Karlsson and Jimmy Schilt. Speaking to media at the Sharks' development camp, Cagnoni spoke about his impressive WHL season, guarding Macklin-Celebrini for the first time and fan expectations for camp.
Additionally, San Jose Barracuda head coach John McCarthy outlined the areas Cagnoni must improve on in order to make it to the AHL.
Cagnoni spoke about what he knows about the San Jose Sharks’ recent draft picks Carson Wetch and Colton Roberts.
[I’ve] I played against them. They [Burnaby Winter Club]I played there. They're a couple of years younger than me. I know them. I've played against them a fair bit. They're not as good as Wetch, not as good as Roberts, but they're good guys. Good players.
Cagnoni had this to say about his record-breaking season in the WHL:
I learned a lot last year. [Luca] Subisa and Todd [Marchant] “It was really helpful to watch the games and give feedback on the defensive zone and things to improve on. I had a pretty good year in Portland, so that's how it worked out. Just coming here and doing the same thing and listening to what they have to say, I'm learning a lot.” [about] What does it mean to be a professional?
On the topic of development camp this year, Cagnoni said:
Smitty was there. [Will Smith] Because it was last year [I’m] Now he's used to the cameras and stuff around him. It was a little loud on the rink. With a guy of his age, it's going to be a little loud.
Cagnoni, in defending Macklin Celebrini for the first time:
“He's pretty elusive and deceptive. He's got some tricks up his sleeve. He's pretty hard to stop. I've played against Bedard and guys like that. So it's tough, but it makes us better.”
McCarthy spoke about what Cagnoni had to do to create the Barracuda:
The question on everybody's mind is, can he play defense? Can he play his own defense? We know he's had success offensively. He broke a lot of records in the WHL. So it's probably about defense and playing his own defense.
Nobody's expecting him to be a Jimmy Schultz type of player, but I think he can get close to that. Having a guy like Jimmy around can bring out that side of his game.
McCarthy talks about how smaller players can succeed in the NHL:
It's probably easier now than it was 15 or 20 years ago. The speed of the game is a little bit faster, the size is a little bit smaller, they have better stick and skating ability. If you look at Quinn Hughes or the smaller defensemen, they defend with their feet. They're never going to overpower you with force, but they're smart, they know how to get good angles and have a good stick.
