Canadian NHL Team Makes Bold Move, Selects Will Smith with 4th Overall Pick

San Jose Sharks Draft Will Smith 4th Overall

Introduction

In a surprising move at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the San Jose Sharks have selected Will Smith as the 4th overall pick. Smith, who hails from Lexington, Massachusetts, has been making a name for himself as a rising star in the hockey world. The Sharks’ decision to choose Smith demonstrates their confidence in his abilities and potential for success at the professional level.

Will Smith’s Background

Will Smith honed his skills playing junior hockey with the Boston Jr. Eagles before joining the USA National Team Development Program (NTDP) two years ago. His time with the NTDP allowed him to refine his skills, particularly in terms of speed, offensive abilities, and overall gameplay. These qualities have earned him recognition as one of the top prospects in the draft.

Throughout his time with the NTDP, Smith displayed exceptional performance, notching an impressive 82 goals and 109 assists (191 points) in 123 games. His point total places him second in NTDP history, narrowly trailing New Jersey Devil center Jack Hughes. Smith’s accomplishments also extend to the international stage, where he recorded 24 points (11 goals and 13 assists) in 11 career U-18 World Championship games. This achievement places him among the elite players in the history of USA hockey for his age group.

Assessing Will Smith’s Skills

Experts have lauded Smith’s offensive prowess, attributing his success to his ability to attract multiple defenders in the offensive zone, only to make a skillful pass out of pressure that benefits his teammates. His game is characterized by a deceptive style, utilizing various moves with his head, eyes, shoulders, and skates to confound opponents. Smith’s unpredictability makes it challenging for defenders to anticipate his next move, resulting in increased scoring opportunities.

However, some scouts acknowledge that Smith’s skating ability might pose challenges at the professional level. While his hands and playmaking skills compensate for this limitation to some extent, it remains to be seen how it will impact his overall performance in the NHL. Additionally, some point out that Smith’s decision-making can be questionable at times, as he often opts for riskier plays over safer options. While this approach has yielded success for him thus far, it may be necessary for him to strike a balance and exercise more caution as he transitions to playing for Boston College in the NCAA and later in the NHL.

Impact on the San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks’ decision to draft Will Smith signifies their belief in his ability to become a top-line center with a strong two-way game. With his skills as a finisher and distributor, he is expected to play a pivotal role in controlling the team’s power play. Moreover, there is potential for him to contribute to the team’s penalty kill unit as well.

Smith possesses the potential to be a high-scoring player, capable of generating over 90 points in a season. His exceptional speed combined with his ability to execute remarkable plays will provide a significant advantage for the Sharks. By selecting Smith, the team aims to bolster their offensive capabilities and add a dynamic player to their roster.

Editorial: Will Smith’s Potential

The selection of Will Smith by the San Jose Sharks showcases the team’s commitment to cultivating young talent and investing in the future. With his impressive skills and potential, Smith has the chance to make a significant impact on the team and contribute to their success in the long term. However, it is important to temper expectations and acknowledge that the transition to the NHL can be challenging for even the most promising players.

As Smith continues his development and progresses through the ranks of collegiate and professional hockey, it is crucial for him to focus on refining his decision-making and adapting to the higher level of competition. The guidance of experienced coaches and the support of his teammates will be invaluable in his journey towards reaching his full potential.

Ultimately, the success of the San Jose Sharks’ decision to draft Will Smith will depend on a myriad of factors, including his ability to adapt to the professional game, his chemistry with his teammates, and the guidance provided by the coaching staff. Only time will tell if Smith can live up to the expectations placed upon him and become a cornerstone of the Sharks’ franchise.

Advice for Will Smith

As Will Smith embarks on the next chapter of his hockey career, there are several key areas he should focus on to maximize his potential. Firstly, working on his skating ability will be essential in order to maintain an edge against professional competition. Additionally, he should strive to strike a balance between flashy plays and safer, more predictable decisions. While his creativity and ability to pull off audacious moves are valuable assets, tempering this with smarter decision-making will enhance his overall effectiveness.

Smith should also prioritize building strong chemistry and communication with his teammates. Collaborating effectively on the ice will maximize scoring opportunities and ultimately contribute to the success of the team as a whole. Finally, Smith should remain dedicated, disciplined, and focused on his goals. The journey to success in professional hockey is arduous, and maintaining a strong work ethic both on and off the ice will be crucial in achieving his full potential.

Overall, while being drafted in the top five of the NHL Entry Draft comes with increased pressure and expectation, Will Smith has shown the potential to become a remarkable player in the San Jose Sharks organization. With the right guidance and personal development, Smith has the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the NHL and contribute to the success of his team in the years to come.