Luca Cagnoni

Skating:

"3.8/5

Cagnoni's skating is decent, but not elite. Good speed moving up the ice, accelerates well and carries speed through tight edge work and crossovers. However he does struggle with agility and especially as a four way directional skater. He is slow to pivot and position his body efficiently. Choosing the right time to apply his pace is a consistent problem. "

Passing/Handling:

"4/5

His passing is a standout attribute. He has a dynamic toolset of passes to rely on in any spot on the ice and body position. Combined with soft hands that can keep up with his high IQ. He makes some great passes, but also struggles with accuracy at times. He tends to turn over the puck when he is pinching for offensive pressure and can lead to nasty defensive situations which he is out of position to defend."

Shooting:

"3.4/5

His shot is an area that needs improvement. The tools lack quality and depth. His wrist shot is his best  variation and he doesn’t utilize it efficiently. This is the only shot with average accuracy and power, every other one in his arsenal is below average for defencemen. And he lacks accuracy to be a volume shooter at this stage."

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

The hockey IQ is impressive, showcasing excellent vision and anticipation. His offensive IQ is a separating trait. Processing the play faster than his impressive north pace. The speed at which he processes the play and the creativity allows him to be a net positive. He is defensively aware in when settled in his own zone. Balancing his awareness is a challenge I’ve seen in all my viewings. When he is settled defensively, he is slow to activate offensive push. His aggressive tendencies puts him out of position too often to be considered overtly reliable. Generally reads the play well, making smart decisions in his own end and jumping into the play at the right moments. Though he seems to panic under pressure which can compound into goals.

Forechecking:

Cagnoni's forechecking is relentless, consistently pressuring opponents and creating turnovers. His length and powerful stride is an advantage when applying pressure that leads to high danger chances for. He uses his body effectively, but can improve his timing and positioning, and applying his high end IQ to his skating routes.

Defense:

4.2/5 defensive game is well above average, showcasing good positioning and physicality for an undersized defender. He doesn’t fear contact. Effectively uses his body to pry the puck from opponents when his IQ and borderline elite gap control doesn’t suit the moment, but can struggle with quick changes of direction. Has been a big area of improvement.

Best Asset:

It’s a two parter, handling/passing is his biggest strength, but without his high end IQ it may not be, showcasing an ability set up teammates with his vision and passing ability.

Biggest Concern:

Defensive reliability. Although he has the IQ, the tools and physicality to be an effective defender; he lacks the drive, agility and decision making to be considered reliable defensively. Although he does show flashes of being a very good two way defender.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Middle pairing defenceman. Could see him splitting PP on a balanced San Jose d corp.he could put up 30-35 points and be counted on to provide sound defence, best case scenario.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Unique combination of high end assets, IQ, handling, speed, tenacity, passing. 

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Likely to be a bottom pairing defenceman who can pop up the lineup and provide a boost on PP2. 

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

His agility and decision making can make him a nuisance and sheltered minutes could alleviate a lot of those concerns. 

Stylistic Comparable:

Matt Benning

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

His point totals don’t necessarily indicate a high end projection. Although the sharks netted value at 123rd, he has a very long way to go and a lot of below average tools that need development. He does have unique skills that make him a late 2nd round talent in my opinion.