Sharks make Simon Wang highest-drafted Chinese player in NHL history

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The San Jose Sharks selected defenseman Simon Wang with the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft on Saturday, making him the highest-drafted Chinese player in league history.

Wang totaled 22 points and 73 penalty minutes in 38 games with the OJHL's King Rebellion before joining the OHL's Oshawa Generals midseason. He netted two assists in 32 regular-season contests and added three helpers in 21 playoff games.

The 6-foot-6, 209-pound rearguard is committed to Boston University. He will join the Terriers for the 2026-27 campaign.

Wang was born in Beijing and moved to Canada at the age of 12 to pursue hockey. He's ranked 34th in North America by NHL Central Scouting.

Andong Song was the first Chinese player drafted in NHL history when the New York Islanders selected him 172nd in 2015. Kevin He, who was taken 109th by the Winnipeg Jets last year, became the first Chinese-born player to sign an NHL contract when he inked his entry-level deal in December.

What they're saying

"(Wang's) a premium athlete; there aren't many 6-foot-6 defenders who can skate like he does," wrote The Athletic's Corey Pronman. "Wang has a powerful stride that allows him to easily get up ice and close on checks. He's a great defender due to his wingspan, mobility, and penchant to lay the body."

"He's a giant, two-way defenseman who's a very efficient skater," Sportsnet's Jason Bukala wrote. "When time allows, he sees the ice and has the ability to make responsible outlets. He's still learning how to best assert himself into a role."

"With time and the right development, he could become a unique, play-killing top-four NHL blue-liner," wrote Elite Prospects' Cam Robinson, who also called Wang "the ultimate long-term project."