Sharpe was signed as an undrafted 20-year free agent, after a four-year career with Mississauga of the OHL. A 6’3″ right-shot defenseman, the Leafs signed Sharpe to a two-year AHL contract which indicates they are willing to invest in his development after a dominating final season in junior.
Strengths:
- Offensive Upside: Sharpe had a breakout offensive season in his final year of junior hockey. He significantly improved his scoring, with a career-high of 19 goals and 53 points. This offensive surge demonstrated his ability to contribute on both ends of the ice, making him a versatile player.
- Defensive Reliability: While his offensive game blossomed in his final OHL season, Sharpe’s defensive game has always been a key asset. He consistently played crucial minutes on the penalty kill and was relied upon in key defensive situations, such as protecting leads late in games.
- Size and Physicality: Standing at 6’3″ and weighing nearly 200 pounds, Sharpe uses his size to his advantage. He isn’t afraid to play a physical style, clearing the crease and engaging opponents along the boards. His stature and strength are essential in one-on-one battles.
- Leadership Qualities: Serving as captain of the Steelheads in his final season, Sharpe displayed significant leadership on and off the ice. His maturity, ability to mentor younger players, and composure in high-pressure situations are qualities that should serve him well as he transitions to the professional ranks.
Weaknesses:
- Skating: While Sharpe has made strides in his overall game, his skating is one area that requires further refinement. His mobility, particularly in transition and his backward skating, will need improvement to keep up with the faster pace of the professional level.
- Consistency in Offensive Production: Although his offensive numbers spiked during his last OHL season, there are questions about whether Sharpe can maintain that level of production at the pro level. His prior seasons were more defense-focused, and while his scoring ability is valuable, his offensive contributions may not be as pronounced in the pros.
- Adjustment to Pro-Level Competition: Sharpe dominated in the OHL, but transitioning to the minors will bring a higher level of competition. He’ll need time to adjust to the faster, more skilled opponents, especially when it comes to decision-making speed and dealing with aggressive forechecks.
Conclusion:
Sharpe’s combination of size, leadership, and a growing offensive skill set makes him a promising defensive prospect for the Leafs. Given he is a big, right-handed shot, Sharpe provides some intriguing potential. His stellar offensive production as a 20-year in junior does come with some tempered expectations as a pro. Overage junior defensemen with such impressive scoring totals seem like enticing prospects on paper, but it often doesn’t often translate when turning pro. Regardless, Sharpe has multiple qualities that are worthy of patience and development to see how if he can translate his plus attributes into becoming a legitimate NHL prospect.