Quentin Musty vs Calgary 11/6

Former 1st round pick Quentin Musty is starting his rookie campaign in the American Hockey League with the San Jose Barracuda. While Musty did get a handful of games last season with the Cuda at the end of the regular season and playoffs, Musty is now a centerpiece of the Barracuda attack.

Musty's stat line in the Barracuda's 4-2 win over the Calgary Wranglers on Thursday, November 6, 2025:

0 goals, 2 assists, 3 SOG, 2nd star of the game

Three observations from Musty's performance:

Creativity Coming Through

Quentin Musty has always been an extremely creative player, and watching 10 minutes of him in the OHL with Sudbury, it was easy to see. That creativity is now translating to the AHL against professionals.

The highlight of Quentin Musty's game was this assist on Igor Chernyshov's goal. Musty draws three defenders to him and passes against the grain to Chernyshov, who drills it. Musty is already demonstrating his ability to understand spacing and timing in the AHL against professional players.

Musty's puck control in tight spaces is something to behold. He is excellent at keeping the puck moving through one-touch passes to find a better option. His ability to scan the chaos and remain composed in crowded areas is why Musty will be an NHL player.

Just more great puck movement from Musty, this time on the power play.

It's great to see that Musty's creativity is already shining this early in his professional career, and that he should continue to build on it as the game continues to slow down for him.

Transition Monster

Quentin Musty is a monster with the puck on his stick in the neutral zone. He attacks weak areas, draws defenders, and makes life easier for everyone else wearing the same jersey as him.

Yes, it was called offside because Chernyshov jumped the gun, but how Musty creates space for himself by drawing the defense to his right and then cuts to the left using Chernyshov as a screen. If Chernyshov stays onside, Musty has a clear path to the net.

On the power play, Musty creates space for himself by subtle movement, puck protection, and then snaps off a shot.

Here, the deception is on full display as he uses Bystedt as a natural pick to force the defender to have to decide. Once the defender commits, Musty gets the pass to Bystedt, who has a clear path to the net and gets a quality chance.

Musty is an absolute weapon in creating space in the neutral zone and making his linemates better.

Musty's Role Becoming Clear

One of the big questions for Quentin Musty in his transition from Juniors to Professional hockey is how he plays against other players who are just as big, fast, and physical as Musty. Musty is starting to grasp this part of the game, and it's easy to see how Musty is preparing for the Zach Hyman-type role with the San Jose Sharks.

Even the goals that he has scored in the AHL have been done from up close, in the dirty areas.

While he doesn't get on the scoresheet of Luca Cagnoni's goal, he is a big reason for it.

He draws the defender to the front and helps to create a screen in front of the goalie. Cagnoni is free to snipe while Colin White and Musty are available for a potential rebound.

Musty has started to find his groove with the San Jose Barracuda. Now comes the most challenging part of being a professional. Consistency.