SJ Sharks Sign No. 1 Prospect Will Smith
The San Jose Sharks have inked a huge piece of their future, signing 2023 No. 4 overall draft pick Will Smith to a three-year entry-level deal.
Will Smith has officially signed his entry-level deal with the Sharks 🦈 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/pWHEhKQAIk
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) May 28, 2024
The deal carries a cap hit of $950,000
Smith, 19, led the NCAA this past season with 71 points in 41 games. His 46 assists were also tops in the collegiate ranks, and he added 25 goals. That was all good enough to earn him 2023-24 Sharks Prospect of the Year honors. He was also a Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist.
Prior to his freshman year at Boston College, he recorded the second-best numbers in the history of the U.S. Development program, with 127 points on 51 goals and 76 assists in 60 games.
“Will is a dynamic and exciting young center and we are thrilled to have him join the organization after an impressive season with Boston College,” said Sharks GM Mike Grier, who says that Smith is NHL-ready. “We felt that this is the next best step for his development to becoming a full-time NHL player, and we are looking forward to seeing him compete at the highest level of hockey.”
Certainly an exciting time ahead for Sharks fans, as Smith will soon be joined in San Jose by the upcoming No. 1 selection in the NHL Draft next month, Macklin Celebrini, who, incidentally, played for Smith's NCAA rival Boston University.
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