Former Western Capital Will Murphy drafted by the Detroit Red Wings

(Photo: Ronnie McKenzie)

The Detroit Red Wings have drafted former Summerside Western Capitals defenseman Will Murphy in the 6th Round, 172nd overall, in Saturday’s NHL Draft.

Murphy, from Miscouche, P.E.I. was selected by Summerside in the 4th Round, 67th overall in the 2023 MHL Entry Draft. In his lone season with the club in 2023-24, as a 16-year-old, Murphy had two goals and seventeen assists in 47 games. In the playoffs, Murphy collected one goal and four assists in seventeen games to help the team reach the Metalfab MHL Cup Final. He was named the league’s Top Defenseman in March 2024 and an Honourable Mention for Top Rookie that month as well. For the season, he was named to the Eastlink South Team of the Week twice.

He played two games for the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Eagles in 2023-24, but joined the club full-time in 2024-25 with two goals and two assists in 54 games, with one assist in six playoff games.

The Maritime Junior Hockey League congratulates Will Murphy on his spectacular achievements.