As reported earlier this week, former University of Denver d-man Eric Pohlkamp (SJS) signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Sharks following the Pioneers’ national championship run. Likewise, Pohlkamp’s Denver teammate & fellow d-man Garrett Brown (WPG) signed a two-year deal commencing in 2026-27, and carrying an annual cap hit of $1,050,000. Concurrently, Brown signed an amateur tryout agreement with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose for the remainder of 2025-26. Due to a minor injury sustained burning the NCAA tournament, Pohlkamp did not sign an ATO to appear for the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda this season.
Despite receiving some interest from NHL teams, Denver goaltender Johnny Hicks (Free Agent) remains unsigned. Hicks enjoyed a remarkable freshman season for the Pioneers, posting a 16-0-1 record in 21 appearances, together with a .957 save percentage. This includes his performance in the Frozen Four, where he turned aside 78 of 82 shots (.951) in securing Denver’s 11th national title. His diminutive size (5’10” 157 LBS.) has him receiving a lukewarm response from teams so far, thus placing him on track to return to Denver for his sophomore campaign.