San Jose Sharks prospect defenseman Eric Pohlkamp is nominated as part of the top 10 for the Hobey Baker Award as the best college hockey player.
Pohlkamp, 21, is the No. 1 defenseman at the University of Denver and has had a terrific second season at DU. In 38 games, the Sharks prospect has 17 goals and 20 assists. His offensive output leads all NCAA defenseman at the D1 level. The right-handed defenseman also leads the nation in shots on goal by a defenseman with 166.
Pohlkamp’s prospect level is turning into quite the diamond-in-the-rough find for the San Jose Sharks. Selevted in the 5th round (132nd overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Sharks might’ve picked their best up and coming right handed blue liner. His booming shot and commitment to defense profile him as an NHL-calibre defense prospect.
During the San Jose Sharks development camp in July of 2025, Pohlkamp told reporters that he was committed to returning to DU for the 25-26 season. The defenseman told reporters he is unsure when he’ll sign his entry-level contract, but there’s a chance he signs for the final parts of the 2025-26 NHL season.
“Absolutely back to Denver after last year,” Pohlkamp said. “You know the heartbreak with Western Michigan, I really want to win a national championship.”
The winner of the 2026 Hobey Baker Award will be announced on NHL Network on April 2nd.