San Jose Sharks top unsigned defense prospect Eric Pohlkamp could have a dream two days starting on Friday night.<\/p>\n
The 2023 NHL Draft<\/a> 5th round pick of the Sharks is one of three finalists for NCAA Hockey\u2019s player of the year award, the Hobey Baker Award<\/a>. The other two finalists are Michigan\u2019s TJ Hughes and Minnesota Duluth\u2019s Max Plante, who the Detroit Red Wings drafted in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pohlkamp had a standout season for the University of Denver, scoring 18 goals and 21 assists in 42 games. He\u2019s been a top d-man for arguably the best coach not in the NHL, David Carle, who has gotten his team back to the National Championship game.<\/p>\n Denver defeated fellow San Jose Sharks prospect Cole McKinney<\/a> and Michigan in double overtime during the National Semi-Final on Thursday. Pohlkamp had three shots on goal<\/a> and was minus one without recording a point.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try to get a good night\u2019s rest tonight and hopefully some recovery tomorrow because that\u2019s the main focus, Saturday\u2019s game,\u201d Pohlkamp said postgame. \u201cBut I\u2019ll enjoy it with my family. It\u2019ll be a super cool day tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n There has been speculation on whether Pohlkamp will sign his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks following his season at Denver. After Saturday, the 22-year-old will have played three seasons in NCAA hockey. During his freshman season, the Sharks prospect played at Bemidji State before he transferred to Denver in 2024.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m watching them a little bit,\u201d Pohlkamp said when asked if he\u2019s keeping up with the Sharks. \u201cNot trying to [watch] them too much, just because you have to take care of the team here at Denver.\u201d<\/p>\n And regarding signing his ELC:<\/p>\n \u201cWhen that time comes, I have to cross that bridge at that point. I\u2019ll be super honored to play for the Sharks.\u201d<\/p>\n Pohlkmap and Denver will face Wisconsin for the NCAA Title on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.<\/p>\n