Sharks Draft Pick Zack Sharp Turns Free Agent Invite into a Dream Come True
San Jose Sharks fans have a new name to watch: Zack Sharp, a 20-year-old defenseman who was initially slated to attend development camp as a free agent but was ultimately selected by the team in the fourth round of the 2025 Draft. The unexpected turn of events has left the recently crowned national champion from Western Michigan elated and eager to prove himself.
Sharp’s journey to the NHL wasn’t straightforward. Passed over in the draft for two consecutive years, he arrived at a pivotal moment, transforming a tryout opportunity into a professional contract. “It was obviously a dream come true,” Sharp recounted. “I was just golfing with some family and a good buddy of mine. To hear that call, hear my phone go off, and see that it was them, was just a dream come true. A lot of emotions. It was tough to play golf after, but it was a lot of emotions that day. It was a day I’ll never forget.”
The pivotal phone call came from Scott Fitzgerald, the San Jose Sharks’ director of player personnel. According to Sharp, Fitzgerald was the one who initially extended the invitation for a free agent tryout. “He was the one invited me to come to camp,” Sharp explained. “Then, he told me that I’m not coming here as a free agent anymore.” The shift from hopeful attendee to drafted player was a moment Sharp described as “pretty special.”
The off-season has been a whirlwind of celebration for the young defenseman. “It was a lot right after,” he said. “It was a lot of time just spent with the guys and celebrating it. A lot of congratulations, a lot of people to reach out to. Kind of back down to earth a little bit now, since it’s been a little while. Still very, very grateful for that opportunity.”
The experience of being overlooked in previous drafts served as powerful motivation. “It just makes you want to get better and earn that,” Sharp stated. “You have another opportunity that you’re after, but you only get three opportunities. To earn that in my third [year of] eligibility, it just makes me really proud of myself. Obviously a lot to go, you’ve got to get better every single day. But [it] fueled me a lot. Those days were tough, not hearing that phone call. Very grateful that I did this third time around.”
Sharp describes his playing style as a two-way defenseman, prioritizing consistency and simplicity. He emphasizes utilizing his skating as a key advantage, focusing on making the first play and then joining the offensive rush. He looks to players like Miro Heiskanen for inspiration, admiring Heiskanen’s smooth skating and efficient puck-moving ability. “I like watching Miro Heiskanen, just the way he skates and floats around. He’s pretty simple in the [defensive] zone, breaking the puck out and using his feet [to] his advantage.”
Looking ahead, Sharp is already anticipating the challenge of facing off against highly touted prospect Michael Misa within the Sharks organization. “He’s a special player. Everyone knows that. Gotta watch out for him, you never know what he’s going to do. He’s obviously generational. He’s going to be a big part of the San Jose Sharks in the coming years.”
With a national championship under his belt and a newfound opportunity in the NHL, Zack Sharp is poised to make a significant impact on the San Jose Sharks’ future.
