Which Sharks Prospects Are Off To Hot Starts?

With the hockey season in full swing, all of the San Jose Sharks' prospects have seen action at this point. Several of them have gotten off to hot starts with their respective teams. Some expected, Eric Pohlkamp, and some are more surprising.

Eric Pohlkamp, University of Denver
2 games, 3 goals, 1 assist, 12 SOG

Eric Pohlkamp was given the reins to the University of Denver blueline, and so far, so good for the Junior. After Zeev Buium signed his ELC with the Minnesota Wild at the end of last season, Pohlkamp was left to pick up the slack of one of the best defenseman in the NCAA last season.

In his second game of the season, Pohlkamp became the 12th defenseman in the University of Denver's history to score a hat trick. Pohlkamp has the looks of being a two-way defensive star for the San Jose Sharks. He is excellent at shutting down opponents at his own blueline, and the offense has never been a question, as he put up 35 points in 44 games as the second option with Denver.

Pohlkamp is well on his way to signing his ELC after his season in Denver is over, especially if Denver can win their third championship in five years.

Christian Kirsch, Kitchener Rangers
4 games, .919 save %, 2.25 GAA

Kirsch struggled in his split time between the USHL and NAHL last season. He posted a .842 save% in the USHL and was under a barrage on most nights in his time in the NAHL. The University of Massachusetts commit decided to jump north to the OHL for a season, and it looks to be paying off.

Kirsch has the third-best save percentage in the league to start the season and looks to be a different player. It's a reminder that the environment is essential for goalies to thrive.

While he is expected to go to the NCAA next season and see better competition, it's a good sign that Kirsch is taking advantage of his opportunity in Kitchener.

Haoxi Wang, Oshawa Generals
5 games, 0 goals, 4 assists, 18 SOG

After five games, Wang has already doubled his points from last season, where he scored two assists in 32 games. While four assists in five games isn't record-breaking, Wang has been more confident in his puck touches and more assertive in jumping into the offense. The points are a byproduct of the growth that Wang has had in such a short time.

Haoxi Wang vs Kingston 10/3/2025

Haoxi Wang was a bit of a surprise when the San Jose Sharks drafted him 33rd overall in this summer’s draft. Wang is a newcomer to hockey, but oozes potential. His 6′6″ frame and smooth skating are hard for any coach not to think about what he could turn into.

The ReefJD Young

While Wang isn't going to be an offensive juggernaut, seeing his confidence rise has to make General Manager Mike Grier happy. Wang still has plenty to work on as he continues his career, but it's a positive sign that he's already seen this much growth compared to the spring when he was an afterthought in the offensive zone.

Wang will be heading to the NCAA next season, which will be great for his development. If Wang can be sufficient in the offensive zone and elite in his own zone, the Sharks will be pleased with what their second-round investment.