The San Jose Sharks' minor league affiliates, the San Jose Barracuda and Wichita Thunder, appeared to be working in tandem on Friday morning as they each made a move involving forward Connor Lockhart.
Lockhart, who has two seasons of experience at the ECHL level with the Bloomington Bison and Wheeling Nailers, was first signed to an American Hockey League contract by the Barracuda for the 2026-27 season.
Considering Lockhart has yet to play at the AHL level, the Thunder then acquired his ECHL rights in a three-team trade with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and the Wheeling Nailers. Wichita sent Nico Sommerville and Oliver Tarr to Greenville for Dante Sheriff, who was then flipped to Wheeling alongside Matt Crasa to get Lockhart.
Given his lack of AHL experience and the subsequent ECHL move, it seems likely that Lockhart will split his time between the Barracuda and Thunder this coming season, serving as a depth piece for John McCarthy's squad.
In 138 career ECHL games, Lockhart has recorded 85 points, 33 of which were goals.
