The San Jose Sharks’ long-awaited right-shot defenseman Eric Pohlkamp has officially gone pro. The Sharks announced today that Pohlkamp has signed his entry-level contract, a two-year deal that takes effect in the 2026-27 season.
According to Puckpedia, the deal has a $1.5 million AAV, with a base salary of $922,500 the first season and $967,500 the second season if he plays in the NHL. There are signing bonuses and performance bonuses tacked on.
The 22-year-old Pohlkamp is fresh off a National Championship with the University of Denver and you can see in his signing photo that he had a new National Championship tattoo and he was wearing his National Champs hat. He led all college defensemen in points and goals this season with 39 points and 18 goals in 43 games. Pohlkamp was also one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker award this season.
In total, Pohlkamp played 119 games in the NCAA and scored 98 points. He is known for his booming shot from the point, which many people consider NHL-level.
What does this mean for a possible Pohlkamp sighting with the San Jose Barracuda this season?
Even though Pohlkamp signed an entry-level deal with the Sharks, it does not start until next season, so Pohlkamp can still sign an ATO (Amateur Tryout) with the Barracuda and join the team in its Calder Cup run.
The question may be whether or not the Sharks’ fifth-round draft pick in 2023 (132nd overall) is healthy enough to play. Pohlkamp wasn’t 100% during Denver’s run in the Frozen Four.
As The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler reported, Pohlkamp had a hand and foot injury during the tournament, and you can bet the Sharks want to do what’s best for the player. That means healing up first before getting him back on the ice.
If Pohlkamp is healthy, we could see him signing an ATO, maybe later in the ‘Cuda’s playoff run. If not, we’ll have to wait until training camp to officially see him in teal.
