Simon Wang`s path in hockey has led him to join the San Jose Sharks organization.
The Sharks selected the 17-year-old defenceman from Beijing with the 33rd overall pick, which was the first selection of the second round, during the NHL Draft held in Los Angeles on Saturday.
Wang spent his formative years in China before relocating to Toronto at age 12 to further his hockey career. His selection marks a significant moment, as he becomes only the third player born in China to ever be drafted into the NHL.
Standing six-foot-five and weighing 215 pounds, Wang began skating at just four years old and quickly developed a strong passion for the sport.
Although he registered only two assists in 32 games for the OHL`s Oshawa Generals last season, his combination of impressive skating ability for his size has drawn considerable attention from scouts.
Speaking at the NHL combine earlier in June, Wang acknowledged, “I might still be behind a lot of guys in this draft, but my potential, what I can become as a player, that’s what’s really exciting about me.”
Sportsnet analyst Jason Bukala had previously ranked Wang as the 64th prospect available, projecting him as a future bottom-pairing defenceman.
Bukala commented on Wang`s potential, writing, “He needs time, but he has a baseline skill set that is attractive in this range of the draft.”
