Will Smith Signs his Entry Level Deal with the San Jose Sharks

Will Smith has signed an entry-level deal with the San Jose Sharks. It's official! The best prospect in the Sharks pipeline has penned his name on the dotted line to allow the Sharks fanbase to feel a sense of optimism that the organization hasn't enjoyed since the days of Marleau, Thornton, Pavelski, and Burns. The future is bright, and the days are starting to run together as the Sharks look to build a better tomorrow. Smith helps with that goal.

Smith recorded 25 goals and 46 assists for 71 points during his 41 games at the Boston College. His dominance in the Old Colony State gave him a reputation as one of the most dominant players in the NCAA. He'll now be tasked with trying to make the jump from college hockey to the professional game. Smith will be playing against more extensive, experienced, and faster players at the NHL or AHL level than in the college game.

Many people, myself included, have penciled Smith into the top six of the Sharks for next season. While we'd like to see that, it's unlikely. If he starts in the big league, he will need to get used to the NHL's speed, intensity, and ferocity. He may get some time in the AHL to come to grips with the routine of being a professional hockey player.

Either way, we can all enjoy the fact the best prospect in the organization is under contract. Knowing that the future will be resting on the shoulders of this player. With the Sharks having a few high-caliber prospects joining the organization after the 2024 NHL entry draft, they know that Smith is the cornerstone for what they are trying to build here. The future will be placed on the shoulders of the fresh prince of the Bay Area—a long way from Bel Air.