Every team picking in the early first round of the loaded 2023 NHL Draft class was in for a treat. And while the Sharks didn’t get to nab the monster fish like Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli, Will Smith of USA Hockey’s National Team Development program is no consolation prize.
The Sharks called his name fourth overall Wednesday night at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and may have landed a potential franchise center in the process.
Smith, 18, is one of the most dominant players in the history of the U.S. NTDP. His 127 points this past season were the second most in team history behind his teammate Gabe Perreault’s 132.
Smith’s 191 career points with the NTDP place him second behind only Jack Hughes’ 228. Smith was named MVP of the IIHF Under-18 World Championship this season after dominating the tournament with nine goals and 20 points in seven games, helping Team USA win gold.
At 6-foot and 182 pounds, Smith isn’t quite undersized but isn’t a dominating physical presence, either. That doesn’t stop him from being a tremendously impactful player in all facets of the game.
He’s known as a cerebral playmaker who elevates other teammates on his line, and his strong two-way sense makes him valuable in multiple roles. He can work the power play or kill penalties. His 51 goals in 60 games with the NTDP this season highlight his underrated goal-scoring ability. His ability to play in all zones gives him one of the highest floors of any prospect in the 2023 class.
Smith is committed to the NCAA’s Boston College for 2022-23 and will join a loaded roster that includes his NTDP linemates and fellow 2023 draft prospects Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault.
STEVEN ELLIS’ SCOUTING REPORT
“Smith is a versatile centerman with a high offensive floor and plays a reliable two-way game. Many scouts believe he’ll be valuable as a top-six forward that can hold his own physically and set players up on the rush while putting up 20-plus goals consistently. He’s great on the power play, too. I’d expect a one-year run in college, and I fully expect some incredible numbers next year.”
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