Sharks Expected To Sign D Eric Pohlkamp to Entry-Level Contract
There has been a lot of speculation regarding the future of San Jose Sharks prospect Eric Pohlkamp, and it now seems we have a definitive answer. Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now was the first to break the news that Pohlkamp is expected to sign an entry-level contract with the Sharks in the very near future. Peng noted that he's hearing that Pohlkamp will not make his NHL debut this season, as the Sharks are set to conclude their season against the Winnipeg Jets tomorrow night.
With that being said, it remains unclear whether he'll join the San Jose Barracuda in the American Hockey League. Pohlkamp has a tremendous junior season with the University of Denver, helping lead the team to a National Championship while also being named a Hobey Baker Hat Trick Finalist. Pohlkamp, the Sharks' fifth round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft, also won a variety of NCHC awards in the process.
Last week, I spoke with co-editor of The Hockey News' NCAA website, Frank Zawrazky about what makes Pohlkamp special: What Stands Out About Sharks Prospect and Hobey Baker Finalist Eric Pohlkamp? On Friday night, the winner of the 2026 Hobey Baker Award will be announced. Among the final three is a San Jose Sharks prospect, Eric Pohlkamp of the University of Denver.
After winning the National Championship, Pohlkamp hinted at his future, but now it appears things are close to being set in stone. As a right-handed defenseman, it seems that he could have a strong chance to compete for an NHL spot right away despite the fact that he's likely not NHL ready just yet. Regardless, it'll certainly be a story to follow in training camp.