San Jose, Ca - The San Jose Barracuda (@SJBarracuda), the American Hockey League (@TheAHL) affiliate of the San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks), along with General Manager Joe Will, announced today that the team has signed defenseman Thomas Messineo to an AHL contract for the 2026-27 season.

Messineo, 24, played in three games with the Barracuda last season, making his AHL debut on April 14 against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. He also appeared in one Calder Cup Playoff game. In addition to his time with SJB, Messineo skated in three games with the ECHL's Kansas City Mavericks following his final collegiate season at UConn, where he recorded seven points (two goals, five assists), 12 penalty minutes, and a plus-15 rating in 38 games.

Over four seasons with the Huskies, the Westwood, Mass., native appeared in 148 games, totaling 34 points (three goals, 31 assists), 40 penalty minutes, and a plus-56 rating.

Prior to his collegiate career, the 6-foot, 190-pound left-shot defenseman spent one season with the BCHL's Chilliwack Chiefs.

About the Barracuda

The 2026-27 season marks the San Jose Barracuda's 12th season and the club's fourth playing at Tech CU Arena in San Jose. The team is expected to feature several of the San Jose Sharks' top prospects, including Quentin Musty, Filip Bystedt, Cam Lund, Carson Wetsch, Andre Gasseau, Luca Cagnoni, Nolan Allan, Mattias Hävelid, Leo Sahlin Wallenius, and Eric Pohlkamp.