Sharks Prospect Pohlkamp Named Hobey Baker Award Finalist

The 22-year-old defenseman is one of three finalists for college hockey's top individual honor.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with their body fractured into overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy, crimson, and gold, conveying the energy and skill of the player.Pohlkamp's dynamic play has earned him national recognition as a Hobey Baker Award finalist.Baxter Today

San Jose Sharks prospect defenseman Eric Pohlkamp has been named one of the three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, the top individual honor in U.S. college hockey. Pohlkamp, a junior at Denver University, is the NCAA's top scoring defenseman this season with 18 goals and 21 assists in 41 games for the Pioneers.

Why it matters

The Hobey Baker Award is considered the Heisman Trophy of college hockey, recognizing the best all-around player in the NCAA. Pohlkamp's nomination as a finalist highlights the Sharks' strong pipeline of talent and the team's ability to identify and develop top collegiate prospects.

The details

Pohlkamp, who the Sharks selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, was named one of the 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award on March 18. At the time, he led the nation with 166 shots and had been named the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year. The three finalists, known as the Hobey Baker Hat Trick, were selected by a 30-member committee based on criteria including outstanding skills, strength of character, sportsmanship, and scholastic achievements.

  • Pohlkamp was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist on April 2, 2026.
  • The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on April 10, 2026 in Las Vegas, site of the Frozen Four.

The players

Eric Pohlkamp

A 22-year-old defenseman and San Jose Sharks prospect who is a junior at Denver University. He is the NCAA's top scoring defenseman this season with 18 goals and 21 assists in 41 games.

Max Plante

A forward for the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2024.

TJ Hughes

An undrafted senior forward at the University of Michigan.

Macklin Celebini

The Hobey Baker Award winner in 2024 as a 17-year-old freshman at Boston University, who was then selected first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Zeev Buium

A defenseman for the University of Denver and a Vancouver Canucks prospect, who led the Pioneers to the national championship in 2024 and the national semifinals last year.

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What they’re saying

“That's my goal. You want to have a really good season next year, and I'm gonna fill Zeev Buium's spot, so I'm gonna have some big shoes to fill. I'm super excited for the challenge, and I can't wait to get back out there.”

— Eric Pohlkamp

“We've been around him a couple of years now. He's got a ton of energy and personality to him, and you can even see it on the ice. He's taking charge of his team a little bit out there.”

— Mike Grier, San Jose Sharks General Manager

What’s next

The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on April 10, 2026 in Las Vegas, site of the Frozen Four. Pohlkamp and the Denver Pioneers will play Michigan in the national semifinals on April 9, with the winner advancing to the championship game two days later.

The takeaway

Pohlkamp's Hobey Baker Award nomination showcases the Sharks' ability to identify and develop top collegiate talent. His strong season leading the Pioneers has him on the verge of turning professional, and his future NHL potential is generating excitement for Sharks fans.