The San Jose Sharks have begun to build the backend of their 2023 Draft Class.
The San Jose Sharks selected Luca Cagnoni, Axel Landen, and Eric Pohlkamp.
Cagoni was drafted 127th overall (fourth round) out of the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.
The defenseman likes to jump up in the offensive rush but is responsible in his own end. Cagoni finished last season with 64 points (17 goals, 47 assists) in 67 games.
"Coupling dynamic edge work with proactive activation, Cagnoni dissects the forecheck. He shifts one way, explodes in the opposite, hits the open teammate, then flies up the rink to become a lead pass option. Every one of his puck touches builds off the previous, creating further time and space up the rink. In the offensive zone, Cagnoni controls the game. He's a volume shooter but rarely takes a poor one. He starts – and finishes – passing plays and fakes shots to set up teammates around the slot," -EliteProspects 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
Landen is a Swedish defenseman who brings a responsible game to the San Jose Sharks.
Landen is listed as 6'1 and was the alternate captain for Team Sweden at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.
"I have strong skating. I like to play hard and physical and help my team to win the game. I think I have a good hockey sense," Landen said.
Landen also confirmed that he will attend Development Camp next week.
Landen will bring smooth skating to the Sharks' backend, which is in desperate need. A defensive defenseman by trade, Landen can learn a lot from a guy like Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
Pohlkamp was selected 132nd overall (5th round) by San Jose and is known for playing with a chip on his shoulder.
"I am a two-way defenseman. I got a really good shot on the powerplay. I'm gritty; I'm hard. I think I'm a fun player to watch too. I'll hit kids," Pohlkamp told the media after he was picked.
Pohlkamp had 51 points (16 goals, 35 assists) in 59 games for Cedar Rapids in the USHL last season.
Pohlkamp said he has never been to California but will attend Sharks Development Camp next week.