What this means for San Jose fans
The San Jose Barracuda have added defensive depth to their roster for the 2026-27 season by signing 24-year-old defenseman Thomas Messineo to an American Hockey League contract, the team announced. The signing comes ahead of the franchise's 12th season and its fourth playing home games at Tech CU Arena.
Player background and recent play
Messineo made his AHL debut with the Barracuda on April 14 against the Coachella Valley Firebirds and appeared in three regular-season games for San Jose last season. He also skated in one Calder Cup Playoff game. Following his final collegiate season at the University of Connecticut, he played three games with the ECHL's Kansas City Mavericks.
| Level | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final college season (UConn) | 38 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 12 | +15 |
| Four seasons at UConn (total) | 148 | 3 | 31 | 34 | 40 | +56 |
Early development and profile
The Westwood, Massachusetts, native is a left-shot defenseman listed at 6-foot, 190 pounds. Before his collegiate career he spent a season with the BCHL's Chilliwack Chiefs. The Barracuda described the move as a way to strengthen their defensive corps ahead of next season.
"the team has signed defenseman Thomas Messineo to an AHL contract for the 2026-27 season."
How he fits into the Barracuda lineup
San Jose's roster construction and its role as the American Hockey League affiliate of the San Jose Sharks mean the Barracuda will continue to feature prospects who could be key call-ups for the NHL club. Messineo joins a group of players expected to form the core of the Barracuda defense and compete for playing time next season.
- Messineo saw limited AHL action last season but gained professional experience in both the AHL and ECHL.
- He brings a collegiate track record of a strong plus/minus rating from UConn coaches' systems.
- The signing arrives as the Barracuda prepare for their fourth season at Tech CU Arena, keeping development close to San Jose fans.
General Manager Joe Will announced the signing as part of the club's early roster moves. The Barracuda organization expects to integrate several top prospects from the San Jose Sharks system into the team for 2026-27.
San Jose hockey supporters can expect training camp and preseason details from the Barracuda in the months ahead as the team finalizes its roster and prepares for the upcoming AHL schedule.
