San 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."

READ THE FULL STORY ON SHARKS HOCKEY DIGEST

Latest On THN's San Jose Sharks site

Sharks Lineup Has New Faces Against Hurricanes

Sharks Recall Top Scoring Defenseman From AHL

Sharks Forward Breaks Barracuda Scoring Record

Stay updated with the most interesting Sharks stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Follow Max on Twitter: @Real_Max_Miller