LUCA CAGNONI

2025-05-20

Scout: Patrick Ploch

Skating:

Cagnoni has above average skating. The footwork and mobility are excellent but the speed is somewhat lacking.

Passing/Handling:

Luca is a pretty good passer and handler. He is able to handle well in tight spaces and make smart and accurate passes.

Shooting:

Cagnoni has an accurate wrist shot that he can guide through traffic from the point.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Luca has a high hockey IQ. He is able to read the play and do a good job of predict what is coming and plan accordingly. He is smart about when he will hold onto the puck and makes sure he passes or adjusts his play rather than making too risky of a play.

Forechecking:

Cagnoni maintains good discipline in the offensive zone by staying near the point but will pinch along the boards or go down low when the right opportunities arise.

Defense:

His defense is solid. He holds decent position in front of the net. He is able to break up rushes and win board battles. The stick work on board battles is an area to strengthen as sometimes he wins the puck but has trouble moving it.

Best Asset:

Luca's best asset is his hockey IQ. I was impressed by the decision making and anticipation. Rarely did I see a bad decision.

Biggest Concern:

The biggest concern is still the defensive play although I don't think it's as much of one as in the past.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Top 4 defenseman quarterbacking Powerplay one.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Because of the lack of size and strength of defensive play he will likely top out as a second pair defenseman who quarterbacks the top powerplay. His offensive game has subtly that can be somewhat overlooked.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Bottom pair defenseman who is on PP2.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

To be effective, Cagnoni's role should include some power play time. If the defense stays at the current level or is somewhat of a liability he will be in a sheltered third d pair role and possibly only get PP2.

Stylistic Comparable:

Samuel Girard might be a good comparable. He is a good offensive D who's defense isn't great and isn't quite in the range of a Fox, Quinn Hughes or Lane Hutson.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

I would say that he isn't flashy but he subtly good and fun to watch.

Games Scouted:

SJ Barracuda vs Ontario Reign 10/12/2024, v Coachella Valley Firebirds 12/8/2024, v Calgary Wranglers 4/18/2025, SJ Sharks v NYR 3/29/2025

2024-06-14

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.