Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Trio turn heads of NHL scouts

Draft day hopeful’s deliver despite difficult season

Apr 15, 2025 | 1:17 PM

While the 2024-25 season on the ice was a challenging one for the Kelowna Rockets, with just 18 wins and only three coming after January 10th, there were bright spots – especially for three players eyeing the 2025 NHL Draft. Forwards Hayden Paupanekis, Dawson Gerwing, and defenseman Will Sharpe all saw their draft stock climb, catching the eyes of NHL scouts despite the team’s struggles.

Let’s take a closer look at how this trio managed to stand out:

Hayden Paupanekis — Ranked 38th Among North American Skaters (NHL Central Scouting)

Acquired at the WHL trade deadline as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Andrew Cristall to Spokane, Hayden Paupanekis arrived in Kelowna with expectations – and delivered. The 18-year-old forward was one of three key pieces the Rockets received in the trade, alongside a pair of first-round picks (including one in 2027, which could prove especially valuable as Spokane begins a rebuild).

Initially ranked 48th in the NHL Central Scouting mid-term report, Paupanekis climbed 10 spots to 38th by season’s end. He scored 22 goals, just one behind team leader Jakub Stancl, and showed a competitive edge that scouts took notice of. One standout moment came on March 15 in Kamloops, when a late-game fight in a 4–1 loss revealed a level of emotion and grit not always easy to detect on a losing team. It wasn’t just the goals – it was the fire that left an impression.

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Will Sharpe — Ranked 76th Among North American Skaters

When the Rockets dealt Caden Price to Lethbridge, they were looking for a future power-play quarterback – and Will Sharpe fit the bill. A first-round WHL pick in 2022 (11th overall), Sharpe came to Kelowna with strong offensive instincts and puck-moving ability. However, with Kelowna shifting away from a puck-possession style due to a depleted roster, Sharpe had to adapt.

With less time spent on offense and more chasing the puck in the defensive zone, Sharpe’s plus/minus took a hit. Still, he impressed with flashes of high-end skill, including a memorable overtime winner against Vancouver. Though he’s currently rated 76th by NHL Central Scouting, Sharpe may have the highest ceiling of any Rocket eligible for this year’s draft. With improved support and fewer minutes spent defending, his offensive impact could soar next season.

Dawson Gerwing — Ranked 99th Among North American Skaters

Nicknamed ‘Mr. Big and Tall’ on Rockets radio broadcasts, Dawson Gerwing brought physicality and presence to Kelowna’s lineup after being acquired from Swift Current in the Marek Rocak trade. At 6-foot-5 and over 220 pounds, Gerwing doesn’t just look the part – he plays it. Willing to hit, drop the gloves, and plant himself in front of the net, he embraced the power forward role from day one.

Gerwing won’t blow scouts away with his skating, but he moves well enough to be effective – especially in short bursts. In just 33 games with the Rockets, he tallied nine goals, nearly matching Paupanekis’ total in fewer appearances. He also made the biggest leap in NHL Central Scouting’s rankings among Rockets players, jumping from 135th to 99th over three months.

Final Thoughts

Even in a rebuilding season, NHL scouts know how to spot talent – and Paupanekis, Sharpe, and Gerwing gave them plenty to notice. As the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles approaches, all three have a real shot at hearing their names called. Their performances this season prove that even on a struggling team, grit, growth, and potential can still shine through.