The Washington Capitals have a robust ahead prospect pool headlined by Ryan Leonard, Andrew Cristall, and Ilya Protas. Subsequently, it doesn’t look like a stretch for the Capitals to focus on defensemen and goalies on the 2025 NHL Draft until there’s a best-player-available ahead that falls into their lap.
In latest drafts, Washington has chosen a defenseman with their second-round choice, and there’s a affordable expectation that they’ll do the identical this yr. In the event that they do look so as to add to the blue line, one participant they need to goal is a 6-foot-6 defenseman from the opposite facet of the globe, Haoxi “Simon” Wang.
Wang’s Journey Began in China
Wang, who bought his title Simon from a world kindergarten class, is trying to develop into the second Chinese language-born participant to signal an NHL contract, following Kevin He, who signed with the Winnipeg Jets final season. The tall blueliner has had a steep growth curve since arriving in Toronto from Beijing, China, 5 years in the past. At the moment, a 5-foot-4 Wang needed to persuade his mother and father to let him transfer the world over to chase his dream. “I believe they noticed my ardour,” Wang stated on the 2025 NHL Mix. “They noticed my drive and the idea I had in myself, and principally paint the larger image to them and form of promote them on the dream.”
Wang skated three seasons within the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) earlier than taking part in with the Oshawa Generals within the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). His stats didn’t soar off the web page with two factors and a plus-3 score in 32 video games in his first style of high-profile junior hockey. The 2024-25 OHL 2nd Crew All-Rookie choice seemed extra snug in 21 playoff video games with Oshawa and contributed three assists. Wang earned OHL Rookie of the Week honors throughout the Japanese Convention Last in opposition to the Barrie Colts in late April.
”I’m nonetheless studying,” Wang stated about his late arrival to the scene. “I’d nonetheless be behind a number of guys, however my potential … is admittedly thrilling. As an inexperienced man going from China to Toronto, I used to be already behind, and I didn’t begin studying the sport till I used to be 14.”
Wang showcased a glimpse of the energy that comes along with his dimension at this yr’s mix. He positioned second in his left-hand grip energy, whereas ending eighth in right-handed energy testing among the many 80+ testing individuals. Simon was notably happy with his third-place end within the power plate vertical soar. ”I favored my vertical soar,” Wang stated. “I put a number of work into it throughout the season. So, fairly comfortable.”
Wang is not going to be ready alone for his title to be referred to as later this month. “My brother and his spouse might be on the draft there for me,” Simon stated. “Another members of the family, pals, and advisors which have helped me all through the way in which might be there to assist me.”
Wang Fills Prospect Deficiency in Washington
Wang might deliver a novel ingredient to the Capitals’ backend as their present prospects lack dimension. Cole Hutson, a 5-foot-10 2024 second-round choose, highlights the group with the same sport to that of the NHL’s 2025 Calder Memorial Trophy winner (and older brother), Lane Hutson. Wang is predicted to affix Hutson at Boston College within the 2025-26 season because the duo learns below ex-NHL ahead and head coach Jay Pandolfo.
Associated: Haoxi “Simon” Wang – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile
The Capitals have solely two defensive prospects above the 6-foot mark: Ryan Muggli and Vincent Iorio. Muggli is 6-foot-1, whereas Vincent Iorio is 6-foot-3. If Wang is on the market, the Capitals ought to pounce on the chance so as to add dimension to a prospect system that might use a bit extra attain.
