Sharks Recall Eric Pohlkamp

The San Jose Sharks are continuing to inject youth into their roster a few days after a flurry of transactions landed top forward prospect Filip Bystedt in the NHL. Today, the Sharks announced they recalled defenseman Eric Pohlkamp from the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda.

San Jose selected Pohlkamp, 22, with the 132nd overall (fifth-round) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Sharks drafted forward Will Smith with the fourth overall pick in the same draft. As a rebuilding club, it’s imperative that the Sharks hit on their higher-tier draft selections, which they have done so far. However, potential diamond-in-the-rough players like Pohlkamp could send this organization into one of its most successful stretches in franchise history.

During his draft season, Pohlkamp was playing his second season with the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Like many smaller defensemen, he flashed his offensive upside, scoring 16 goals and 51 points in 59 games with a -1 rating. The Brainerd, MN, native committed to Bemidji State University for the 2023-24 campaign.

He played well, finishing with 11 goals and 24 points in 32 games with a +4 rating, leading the Beavers to the CCHA Conference Championship against Michigan Tech. Pohlkamp made the All-CCHA Rookie Team and All-CCHA First Team at season’s end. His impressive freshman campaign drew national attention, culminating in his transfer to the University of Denver.

It couldn’t have been a better position. Throughout his two years with the Pioneers, Pohlkamp dominated, scoring 29 goals and 74 points in 87 games with a staggering +55 rating. In his junior year, the 2025-26 campaign, Pohlkamp led the team in scoring. Aside from being named to the All-NCHC First Team and being named the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year, Pohlkamp helped the Pioneers win the National Championship over the University of Wisconsin. He was also a Hobey Baker Award finalist.

After his dominant run through the NCAA, Pohlkamp signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Sharks last April. In 10 games for the Barracuda this season, the right-shot blueliner has registered seven assists with a -2 rating.