Aidan Park arrived at the 2025 NHL Draft expecting only to support his friends. He ended the day as a seventh-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers while wearing a hoodie and shorts. The moment went viral as his friend Ryker Lee reacted in disbelief during a separate media session, but for Park, the reality of the moment carries much more weight than the casual wardrobe.
Now entering his second season at the University of Michigan, the 20-year-old forward focuses on his development. He spent his final USHL season with Green Bay, recording 66 points in 55 games. After a freshman campaign in Ann Arbor where he contributed 16 points, Park participated in his second development camp with the Oilers this June. The transition from a viral draft day story to a professional roster spot requires consistent production on the ice.
Park draws significant inspiration from his uncle, Richard Park, who played 14 seasons in the NHL for multiple franchises including the Wild and the Islanders. Richard, who was one of the first Korean-born players in league history, now scouts for Minnesota. He emphasizes that Aidan earned his selection through commitment and hard work rather than the luck of the draft floor. The support from his family remains a constant as he navigates the high-pressure environment of collegiate hockey.
Looking toward the future, Aidan recognizes the obstacles his uncle faced as a pioneer in the game. He treats his own path to professional hockey with seriousness and purpose. While he remains part of a deep and talented Michigan program, his goal stays fixed on reaching the NHL. The viral draft clip serves as a reminder of an unexpected beginning, but his focus remains on the work required to sustain a long career.