Ethan Cardwell’s journey to the San Jose Sharks started when he was selected in the fourth round, 121st overall, of the 2021 NHL Draft. After finishing up an impressive junior career with the Barrie Colts of the OHL, he then made the jump to the San Jose Barracuda, where he spent his first full professional season in 2023–24. Last year was a breakout for him. He not only became one of the Barracuda’s most consistent forwards, but he also earned his first NHL call-up, playing six games with the Sharks and even scoring his first NHL goal. That’s the kind of milestone that makes him stand out in the system right now.
As for our rankings, Cardwell appears on last year’s Top 25 Under 25 list at number 18. With the kind of growth he showed in his first pro year, it’s not surprising to see his name hold steady on the list this year despite the additions of top talent like Michael Misa, Joshua Ravensbergen and others. He’s earned it.
Position: Right Wing/Center
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 181 pounds
Age: 23
Date of Birth: August 30, 2002
Draft Year: 2021 (121st overall by the San Jose Sharks)
Shoots: Right
2025–26 Team: Expected to play top-line minutes with the San Jose Barracuda, while pushing for more NHL looks with the Sharks
What we like
The first thing that jumps out about Cardwell is his drive. Every single shift, he brings energy, determination and a level of competition that’s really infectious. He’s the type of player who can spark his teammates into a flame, simply by going hard on the forecheck or digging out pucks in the corner. Coaches love that, and it’s a big reason why he’s already trusted in a wide variety of situations.
Cardwell also has a slightly effective offensive game. He isn’t flashy in the way some prospects on our list are, but he produces because he’s smart. In his final OHL season, he put up 90 points in 62 games, proving he could drive play at the junior level. With the Barracuda, he followed that up with 43 points total in his first full AHL season. He topped it all off by scoring his first NHL goal in his debut, a huge confidence booster for a young forward.
Another big strength is his versatility. He’s not a one-dimensional scorer. He can kill penalties, he can grind on the third line, or he can jump up and contribute on a scoring line. That ability to shift roles without losing effectiveness is part of what makes him such an intriguing prospect for the Sharks.
Areas of Improvement
That said, Cardwell isn’t a finished product. His skating is good, but not great, and at the NHL level, that step can make all the difference. To carve out a permanent spot in the lineup, he’ll need to continue refining his stride and acceleration so he can keep pace with faster competition.
His offensive ceiling is another question mark. While he’s shown he can produce in junior and in the AHL, it’s less clear whether he can generate that same kind of offense in the NHL. Right now, a lot of his scoring comes from hard work and being in the right place rather than from high-end skill or creativity. Adding a little more unpredictability to his offensive game would help him stand out.
Lastly, at 5’11” and 180 pounds, he doesn’t have the ideal size for a winger. He competes hard and doesn’t shy away from physical play, but adding strength will only help him win more puck battles and sustain his game over an 82-game season.
What’s Next for Cardwell?
Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, Cardwell will almost certainly take on a leadership role with the Barracuda. He’s expected to be one of the team’s top scorers and a player the coaching staff leans on heavily in all situations. That said, he’s also right at the front of the line when the Sharks need call-ups, especially if injuries strike.
Long term, his trajectory looks like that of a bottom-six NHL forward with upside. He’s a reliable, high-energy player who can chip in offensively, kill penalties and keep the pace really high. If his skating and offensive creativity take another step forward, he could carve out an even bigger role. For now, he’s in a great spot: on the cusp of becoming an NHL regular, with plenty of time to polish his game.
Highlight
His first NHL goal, a flawless breakaway and a rocket right past Seattle. Cardwell has promise and skill, all he needs is creativity.
Previous Top 25 Under 25 Posts
18. Haoxi Wang
19. Leo Sahlin Wallenius
20. Jack Thompson
21. Cole McKinney
22. Zack Ostapchuk
23. Mattias Havelid
24. Egor Afanasyev
25. Carson Wetsch
Honorable Mentions: Joey Muldowney, Jake Furlong, Brandon Svoboda, Nate Misskey, Gabriel Carriere
