Barracuda add size, depth with Huo signing
The San Jose Barracuda announced Thursday they have signed forward Samuel Huo to an American Hockey League contract for the 2026-27 season, bolstering the organization’s forward depth ahead of training camp. Huo, a 25-year-old 6-foot-5, 209-pound forward from Richmond, British Columbia, arrives after seasons in the ECHL, USports and the Western Hockey League.
"the team has signed forward Samuel Huo (WHO-oh) to an AHL deal for the 2026-27 season."
The signing was communicated in the Barracuda's team release and represents a low-risk addition for the San Jose Sharks' top minor-league affiliate. Huo spent last season with the Tahoe Knight Monsters in the ECHL, where he played 14 regular-season games and totaled eight points — four goals and four assists — along with 12 penalty minutes and a +1 rating. He also skated in four Kelly Cup Playoff games for Tahoe.
Before turning pro, Huo spent time at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) and the University of British Columbia (UBC). In his lone season at UNO he played 30 games and posted 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) with 25 penalty minutes. During three seasons at UBC he skated in 75 USports contests and collected 90 points (38 goals, 52 assists), logged 86 penalty minutes and finished with a +5 rating. His 2023-24 campaign at UBC included a Canada West Championship and a place on the USports West First All-Star Team.
What Huo brings to San Jose
Huo’s profile — notable size combined with a history of scoring at the USports level — fits the type of player organizations often target for bottom-six roles and penalty-killing or net-front presence in the AHL. His multi-level path through major junior (WHL), USports and the ECHL mirrors the route taken by many late-blooming forwards who adapt to pro systems after maturing in college and lower pro circuits.
- Size and reach: 6-foot-5 frame that can create space on the forecheck and in board battles.
- Secondary scoring: Consistent point production at UBC and a productive season at UNO.
- Playoff experience: Four Kelly Cup playoff games last season with Tahoe.
San Jose’s AHL roster construction typically focuses on development for the Sharks while remaining competitive in the Pacific Division. Huo's signing gives the coaching staff another option to test in different matchups and specialty roles through training camp and the season. For Barracuda fans, the move signals management's interest in adding physical forwards who can also chip in offensively.
Career numbers at a glance
| Team/Level | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe Knight Monsters (ECHL) | 14 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 | +1 |
| University of Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA) | 30 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 25 | — |
| University of British Columbia (USports) | 75 | 38 | 52 | 90 | 86 | +5 |
The Barracuda noted Huo also spent five WHL seasons with the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Tri-City Americans before his collegiate career, a foundation of junior hockey experience common to many AHL entrants.
Management’s announcement did not include a comment from Barracuda general manager Joe Will beyond the roster move itself, nor did it specify contract length or financial terms. As an AHL deal, Huo’s signing places him directly on the Barracuda roster rather than on a two-way contract controlled by the NHL club, the San Jose Sharks.
For Barracuda followers, the calendar now shifts to late summer training camp and preseason evaluations. Huo will be among several players vying to lock down depth roles and show he can translate college and ECHL production to the AHL level. Given his size and past scoring at UBC and UNO, expectations will be that he competes physically while providing secondary offense when given regular minutes.
Watch for roster updates and camp invites from the Barracuda as the club prepares for the 2026-27 AHL season. The signing is the latest in a series of offseason moves aimed at balancing player development for the Sharks and fielding a competitive Barracuda club in San Jose.
