Karlis Cukste

January 2019 – Cukste needs only a single point to match his total of 13 from last season, this time it
took him only 20 games compared to 38 last season. These are not world beating numbers by any stretch
but it is an encouraging sign that Cukste has rebounded this season. Quinnipiac uses Cukste as a
shutdown defender and that is the role he is likely to be used in, if and when he turns pro. Chris Legg

August 2018 – Offensively, Quinnipiac defenseman Karlis Cukste had a bit of a disappointing season. His 13 points failed to meet the mark he set as a freshman by two points. Cukste has a strong defensive game however and has not played badly necessarily, he just doesn’t possess much offense. Cukste should be considered a long shot for the NHL and if he does make it, you won’t get many points from him. He has some potential however in peripheral stats, especially blocks. Chris Legg

October 2017 – Three games into his sophomore season with Quinnipiac University Karlis Cukste is still looking for his first point of the 2017-18 campaign. The Sharks’ 2015 fifth round pick had a respectable five goals and ten assists last year for the Bobcats and will get ample time to season in the NCAA ranks as the Sharks defensive depth is stable for the foreseeable future. Cukste did look more comfortable during the summer camps in San Jose but did not generate much offensively. He remains a long-range prospect that likely is not on anyone’s radar as of yet. Zachary DeVine

December 2016 – Cukste’s rookie season with Quinnipiac University has been a good one so far. The big Latvian has four goals and five assists in 19 contests, closing in on his total from last year when he skated with the Chicago Steel of the USHL. Cukste attended the San Jose Sharks development camp and worked hard in drills but did not appear to be making the best decisions with the puck at times. It was summer hockey, so take that with a grain of salt. Cukste will skate with Team Latvia in the World Junior Championship later this month and should play a sizable role with Latvia as they join the top tier in the tournament. Cukste also skated with Latvia last year at the WJC Division 1A where he posted three assists in five contests. Zachary DeVine