Sharks sign Eric Pohlkamp to entry-level contract
One of the top blueliners in college hockey is turning pro.
On Thursday, San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier announced that the team has signed defenseman Eric Pohlkamp to a two-year, entry-level contract.
The signing comes shortly after Pohlkamp finished off his career at the University of Denver in style. The junior established himself as a premier defender in the NCAA ranks and played a key role in helping the Pioneers win the national championship this past Saturday.
The Brainerd, Minn. native was outstanding throughout the entire 2025-26 campaign. He led the Pioneers in goals (18) and points (39), marking the second straight season where he hit the 35-point mark. Pohlkamp led all NCAA defensemen in scoring, finishing tied for 24th in the nation among all skaters. He was a key player in Denver’s run to the NCHC Tournament for the second time in three seasons.
Pohlkamp’s performance was enough not only to help his team reach college hockey’s greatest heights but also to earn him individual admiration from his peers and beyond. He was a Hat Trick Finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, but ended up losing out to Minnesota Duluth sophomore and Detroit Red Wings prospect Max Plante.
On top of being named the NCHC’s top offensive defenseman, as well as an All-NCHC First Team nomination, Pohlkamp was an AHCA West First Team All-American.
Pohlkamp started his college career at Bemidji State, playing one season before transferring to DU. He finishes his college career with 40 goals and 58 assists for 98 points in 119 games.
The 22-year-old has some notable international experience in his career. This past December, he represented the college game at the Spengler Cup, scoring two goals and three points for the U.S. Collegiate Selects team, helping them make it to the championship game. Ultimately, the team lost to host HC Davos. Also, in 2024, he was part of a United States team that won the gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship.
Pohlkamp was originally taken by the Sharks in the fifth round, 132nd overall, of the 2023 NHL Draft.