Haoxi Wang (D, L, 6’6″, 215, Oshawa Generals, 07/27/2007, Boston University)
Haoxi Wang is an athletic, rangy, left-shot defenseman with a rare physical profile and promising two-way upside. At 6’6” and 215 lbs, Wang moves exceptionally well for his size, showing strong skating mechanics, smooth pivots, and transitional agility that allows him to match with both speed-based and power-based forwards. He plays a composed, efficient defensive game and has shown flashes of puck-moving ability and offensive vision that suggest untapped potential. Wang isn’t a finished product and still needs to increase his physical engagement and edge in his own zone, as well as clean up shot selection and offensive execution. But his blend of mobility, size, intelligence, and growth curve makes him one of the most intriguing long-term defense prospects available in this class.
Case For Drafting Haoxi Wang:
- Size + Mobility Combo Is Rare and Valuable
Wang’s ability to skate at 6’6”/215 lbs immediately pops. His gap control, pivots, and backwards mobility allow him to close off space and defend with confidence. He wins 54% of his 50/50 battles, and he’s rarely caught out of position due to his skating and reach. - Defensive Poise and Awareness
He consistently makes smart, simple plays under pressure and avoids panic decisions. With just 3.1 giveaways/game (strong for a player seeing regular touches), Wang shows advanced poise for a defensive minded defender. He draws attention for his 6 takeaways/game and 1.47 loose puck recoveries after shots, indicating strong anticipation and game-reading ability. - Clean, Functional Passing Game
He completes 86% of his passes and flashes advanced vision—finding middle-lane outlets and skating pucks out of trouble. He uses his long frame well to extend passing angles and catch tough pucks. His 0.35 passes/game leading to a teammate’s Grade “A” chance suggest solid potential as a puck mover, even if his offensive ceiling remains unclear. - Improved Confidence with the Puck
Wang’s ability to walk the blue line, delay under pressure, and find seams has improved dramatically. While his power play time is minimal, he has shown flashes of being able to distribute from the top and has an explosive release when he gets his feet set. His puck management and skating under duress are becoming real assets. - Physical Play Trending Up
With 1.13 hard hits/game, he’s beginning to assert himself more consistently in board battles and around the net. He engages with purpose, can separate opponents from the puck, and has started using his length to deter interior entries. While his mean streak still needs to grow, the foundation is there.
Case Against Drafting Haoxi Wang:
- Offensive Output Doesn’t Match the Tools
Wang averages just 0.9 shots on goal/game, and more than 70% of his shot attempts are either blocked or miss the net. His 0.28 Grade “A” chances/game is very low, especially considering how often he touches the puck in the offensive zone. His offensive instincts remain a work in progress, particularly on shot selection and timing. - Limited Special Teams Impact to Date
He sees just 0:04 PP time and 0:15 PK time per game, despite his tools. That reflects where he is in terms of tactical trust and overall polish. To make an impact at the next level, he’ll need to become consistently hard to play against in defensive matchups to justify a top-four projection. - Needs More Edge and Physical Identity
Despite his frame and 1.13 hits per game, he still has 0.99 hits received/game and doesn’t always impose himself near the net. He’s not soft, but at the next level, he’ll need to bring more bite. More consistent net-front box outs, puck-clearing assertiveness, and contact initiation will be necessary. - Maturity Curve Still Forming
While trending positively, Wang’s lack of sustained minutes against top opposition, and occasional passivity in high-leverage moments, suggests he’s still building mental confidence and forming his identity. As a result, his upside is contingent on long-term developmental commitment.
Projection & Recommendation:
NHL Projection: No. 4–6 defenseman who contributes at even strength and on the PK; physical, smart, support puck mover.
Draft Range: We have him ranked early 3rd but it is easy to the argument to draft him in the 2nd.
Comparable: Jamie Oleksiak
Development Timeline: 4+ years
Final Recommendation:
Target Haoxi Wang between picks 60–90 as a long-term investment with middle-pairing potential. He’s a true developmental bet—with size, mobility, intelligence, and a steep upward trajectory over the past 18 months. While not a dynamic puck mover or offensive presence, his skating base and ability to defend with range, recover loose pucks, and move pucks under pressure give him a legitimate NHL ceiling. If he adds a layer of nastiness and abrasiveness in his own zone while continuing to refine his offensive execution, Wang could evolve into a valuable two-way presence and a reliable matchup defender in the NHL.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images