Sharks' Luca Cagnoni Can't Believe He's In NHL
San Jose Sharks defenseman Luca Cagnoni (42) and Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) battle for the puck behind the net during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn ImagesSan Jose Sharks rookie defenseman Luca Cagnoni made his much-anticipated NHL debut on Thursday following the 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Cagnoni became the first defenseman from the 2023 NHL Draft to play in the NHL. The Sharks rookie told reporters he did not know that postgame.
"I mean, I've been saying it all week since the call-up, it's pretty surreal," Cagnoni said postgame. "Definitely where I started my career, like not getting drafted in the WHL. It's a pretty special moment, even for my family. Probably them the most. To see me go through it and them being by my side, It's pretty special to have them here."
Cagnoni led all Sharks players in ice time with 23:15. He was paired with Vincent Desharnais on defense, and head coach Ryan Warsofsky liked what he saw.
"The game started slowing down for him in the second and third period," Warsofsky said. "Luca helps from a puck-moving standpoint."
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