Cuda Confidential: 2025-26 Season Preview

·40 min·4 clips

The Barracuda open their season at home on October 11th with a completely revamped roster after last year's playoff run.

The episode begins with host Nick Nolenberger introducing the 2025-26 season preview for the San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks. He announces the regular season opener on October 11th at Tech CU Arena and outlines broadcast details. Nolenberger explains the high roster turnover typical in the AHL due to one-year contracts, setting the stage for discussing departures and arrivals. He reviews last season's success, where the Barracuda made the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and won a series for the first time since 2017. The host lists key graduates to the NHL, including goalie Yaroslav Askarov and forward Colin Graff, who made the Sharks out of camp. He then details significant departures: AHL MVP Andrew Podorowski left for the KHL, captain Jimmy Schultz signed with Vancouver, and forwards Daniel Gushen and Thomas Bortolo were traded to Colorado and New Jersey, respectively. Notable returnees are highlighted, such as defenseman Luca Cagnoni, who had 52 points as a rookie, and forwards Phillip Beasley and Ethan Cardwell. Prospects joining the team include first-round picks Quentin Musty and Igor Chernyshov, along with others like Casper Haldeman and Matias Haviland. Veteran additions are discussed, including goalie Jakub Skarek and forwards Jimmy Huntington and Sam LaBerge. The interview with General Manager Joe Will covers his excitement about the young prospect crop, the importance of size and perseverance, and insights on specific players like Musty and Chernyshov. Will mentions the mentorship from Joe Thornton and the competitive goalie situation. The episode concludes with reminders about the opening broadcast and promotional partners.

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