Sharks Prospect Huntington finds Stability, Opportunity with San Jose Barracuda
SAN JOSE, CA – After a winding path through the AHL and ECHL, forward Kyle Huntington has secured a promising role with the San Jose Barracuda, the American Hockey League affiliate of the San Jose Sharks.Huntington signed an NHL contract with the Sharks association this summer after a triumphant season with the Hershey Bears, and believes heS found a long-term fit in San Jose.
Huntington’s journey to this point hasn’t been straightforward. Initially drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning, he spent time with their AHL affiliate in Syracuse and their ECHL club in Orlando before being traded to Nashville on February 1, 2022, for forward Anthony Richard. He then signed a one-year AHL contract with Milwaukee,were he helped the Admirals reach the Conference Finals,followed by another one-year deal with Hershey.
“What NHL teams want are winners,” Huntington said. “That adds another level to your résumé,to show you were part of a team that won. Just being around that habitat,that’s what organizations want. They want to win.And you see it with Washington (Hershey’s NHL affiliate) right now, they’re doing well.”
Barracuda General manager Joe Will emphasized Huntington’s progress. “He’s a player that has persevered,” will said. “He’s always had the talent. When he first turned pro,it was a bit of a slow go becuase he couldn’t just rely on his offense,so he had to learn the other parts of the game.”
Huntington expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Sharks organization, noting their long-standing interest. “They’ve wanted me for a long time, and it just feels like home right now,” he said. “After last year, playing only four games, I’m ready to roll.”
The Barracuda, a team focused on developing young talent and returning to prominence, are poised to benefit from Huntington’s experiance and winning pedigree. Will added, “Being around Hershey, being around a really good calder Cup-winning team, that really pays off.” Huntington is expected to be a key contributor as the Barracuda pursue a successful season,possibly opening the door for his NHL debut with the Sharks.
