Manor LA Kings Select Will Sharpe No. 216 – What You Need to Know

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With their ninth selection at the 2025 NHL Draft, the LA Kings have selected Will Sharpe with pick No. 216 of the seventh round.

Profile Information​

Date of Birth: March 7, 2007
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 194 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Defense
Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Born: Delta, BC

2024-25 Season Review​

Sharpe spent his 2024-25 season playing for the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes and Kelowna Rockets. In 66 games, he had 44 points (9 G, 35 A).

Scouting Reports​

McKeen’s Hockey:

Sharpe is a tricky prospect to get a comfortable bead on. He was a high pick in the WHL bantam draft and put up pretty good numbers this year, but he doesn’t drive a lot of offense on his own and his physical tools are mostly lackluster. Every now and again there is a moment of brilliance, though. Getting to play on a Memorial Cup-bound Kelowna team could help foster some necessary improvements for him. There might not be enough going for Sharpe altogether to ever cleanly make the leap from junior to the pros, but teams are justifiably curious.

Future Considerations

Sharpe is widely recognized for his elite skating and mobility, which allow him to transition smoothly between offensive and defensive responsibilities. His edge work, balance, and quickness make him a standout in joining the rush and defending against it, often forcing attackers wide and denying clean zone entries. Offensively, he contributes as a puck mover with crisp, in-stride passes across all three zones and shows strong vision and timing in give-and-go sequences. His ability to activate from the blue line and operate in east-west lanes enhances his value on the power play, where he often creates confusion with constant movement and sound puck distribution. He’s poised with the puck and maintains control under pressure, frequently executing smart reverses and bump passes to relieve defensive zone stress. Sharpe’s anticipation and awareness enable him to break up plays and find soft spots offensively, making him a dynamic threat from the back end. His IQ, quick reads, and ability to manage the offensive zone suggest strong instincts and a natural feel for the game. While not a high-volume shooter, he effectively manages the point and can facilitate puck movement with confidence. Neutrally, Sharpe’s overall game is still a work in progress.

Elite Prospects

Sharpe is a do-it-all defenceman who flashes some higher-level physicality and puck-moving skills. In his best games, he’s a force, running over opponents, contesting every inch of ice, and then leading the charge. He fakes out opponents with his edge work before accelerating through the neutral zone and connects the occasional shot-pass for a deflection chance.

Finding consistency in that role, however, is easier said than done. Many nights, Sharpe ended up chasing the play and struggled to absorb contact on the forecheck. Opponents were able to break him down a bit, and his puck management faltered.

Hockey Prospect

Will Sharpe is a slightly undersized offensive minded defenseman who plays a simple one-way game. The defensive side of the game is not refined, and he has trouble in coverage and on the rush. The offensive side of his game is what is and will be attractive to teams as he displays good poise along the line as he uses his vision to find open teammates to create offense. He likes to pinch down and create opportunities for his teammates from the side wall, but as a whole his game will struggle to translate with an overall incomplete game.

We’ll update this article throughout the evening with additional information.

Highlights


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