Following Macklin Celebrini’s major 5-year, $94 million contract extension, the Sharks had two major objectives on the agenda: signing Collin Graf and Will Smith. Well, Collin Graf has been granted a 3-year, $12.75 million contract extension. This now leaves the question of Will Smith, who will be entering the final year of his entry-level contract. Smith is often lumped in with Celebrini, but is a special player in his own right and is deserving of a major contract.
Back in his draft year (the 2022-2023 season), Will Smith was playing for the USNTDP U18 team. Smith made a name for himself in the National Development Team system ahead of his draft, recording a whopping 127 points (51G, 76A) and an astounding +71 in just 60 games played, placing second on the team in overall points and assists and tied for second in goals. Incredibly, his gold medal-winning performance at the U18 World Junior Championship was even more impressive, notching an amazing 20 points (9G, 11A) and +15 in only seven games.
Understandably, this clinic put on by Smith earned him praise and recognition. Because of this sheer dominance, Smith was awarded the USA Hockey Bob Johnson Award: presented to the American player that exemplifies excellence in international competition. Following such a commanding display of talent in a single season, Smith headed into the 2023 NHL Draft confident and with reverence from his peers. The San Jose Sharks cemented the rest in history, drafting him fourth overall.
The next season, Will Smith headed to Boston College where he was reunited with some of his USNTDP teammates: Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. Smith’s talent continued to grow and shine at Boston College, and he consistently showed why he was such a high draft pick. In 41 games played for Boston College, Smith scored 71 points (25G, 46A) and +25, carrying on his offensive dominance and two-way responsibility. Midway through the season, he joined USA for the U20 World Junior Championship and notched 9 points (4G, 5A) in 7 games played. His performance that season continued to impress, and resulted in an invite to represent Team USA in the World Championship that summer where he played five games.
After such a successful college season, the Sharks decided it was time to bring Smith up to the big leagues. In his rookie season, he recorded 45 points (18G, 27A) in 74 games. He was also invited once again to represent Team USA in the World Championship, putting up 7 assists and a +8 in 10 games. Smith was impressive right off the bat, but took it to the next level this past season. In 69 games played, Smith scored 59 points (24G, 35A). His 59 points and 24 goals were second most on the Sharks, behind only Macklin Celebrini.
While his stats in the NHL are impressive, Celebrini has certainly been an influence. However, Smith has proven himself in his own right-without the Celebrini factor. Smith had been producing at an exceptionally high rate before he ever officially crossed paths with Celebrini, their bond and resulting play is just an extra bonus. Considering his talent, it wouldn’t be surprising if Smith got a contract with an annual average anywhere between $10 and $13 million. General Manager, Mike Grier, has also said he would like to lock Smith up “long-term”, a reassuring sign for fans. Although, considering Celebrini’s flashy new contract, it’s probably not likely Smith signs for longer than five years seeing as that was the length of Celebrini’s extension. Regardless, Smith is not a player we want walking into restricted free agency, because he WILL get offer-sheeted. The sooner a contract is signed, the better.
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