San Jose Sharks Make Waves on Day 2 of the 2025 NHL Draft

The San Jose Sharks made headlines during Day 2 of the 2025 NHL Draft, particularly with their selection of Haoxi (Simon) Wang, who has now become the highest Chinese-born player ever drafted in NHL history. The Sharks’ strategy on this day was closely watched by scouts and analysts alike, and opinions varied on their choices, which included Wang and several other promising prospects.

Haoxi Wang, selected as the No. 33 pick, stands out not just for his heritage but also for his impressive physical attributes. At 6-foot-6, he brings a unique presence to the ice. Having only started playing hockey seriously at the age of 14, Wang is considered a project player but one with significant potential. According to one NHL scout, “He’s a huge, good skater, physical, and tries to play intimidating and in-your-face. Solid defense.” This suggests that Wang could develop into a high-end shutdown defenseman, a role that is increasingly valuable in today’s game.

However, there are concerns regarding his offensive capabilities. The scout noted that Wang’s skills and sense in the offensive zone are “questionable,” indicating that while he excels defensively, he may need to refine his offensive game to succeed at the NHL level. Despite these concerns, there is optimism regarding Wang’s ability to learn and adapt, particularly when it comes to making effective first passes—an essential skill for defensemen in the fast-paced NHL environment.

Wang is set to play for the OHL’s Oshawa Generals in the upcoming season, a move that will allow him to further develop his game before transitioning to Boston University in the 2026-27 season. This path suggests that while fans may need to be patient before seeing him in a Sharks uniform, the investment in his development could pay off handsomely in the future.

The Sharks also selected other players on Day 2, including Cole McKinney, Teddy Mutryn, Ilyas Magomedsultanov, Zack Sharp, Max Heise, and Richard Gallant. Each of these players brings their own unique skill set and potential to the franchise, but Wang’s selection stands out as a significant milestone in the league, not just for the Sharks but for the representation of hockey players from diverse backgrounds.

As the Sharks look to rebuild and re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the NHL, their choices during the draft reflect a commitment to nurturing young talent. With players like Haoxi Wang in the pipeline, the future looks promising for the San Jose Sharks.