The San Jose Sharks have made news on Tuesday by getting Will Smith signed. That’s the hockey player and not the Hollywood actor. News broke early Tuesday afternoon that Smith signed a three-year entry-level deal with the club. The deal is for three seasons and carries an average cap hit of $950,000. This contract runs until the end of the 2026-27 season. Smith will be a restricted free agent at the end of the deal.
SMITH SIGNED
#TheFutureIsTeal
Welcome to San Jose, Will!
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 28, 2024
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Will Smith Signed by Sharks
Smith was named the organization’s prospect of the year for his play in the NCAA. The 19-year-old centre had a great freshman season at Boston College in which he led the nation with 71 points and 46 assists. His numbers were good enough to finish tied for sixth in the country with 25 goals in 41 games.
The Lexington, Mass. native was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Smith also made the the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and taking Hockey East All-Tournament MVP honors. San Jose took Smith with the fourth overall selection of the 2023 NHL Draft.
He was also a gold medalist on Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Championship. Smith also played on the senior team at the most-recent World Championships in Czechia.
What it Means to see Will Smith Signed
Smith and likely first-round pick Macklin Celebrini are expected to be the cornerstones of the Sharks lineup down the middle. San Jose struggled mightily last season, but adding Smith and Celebrini are the likely first steps in getting the rebuild going.
The Sharks need some new faces on their franchise and Smith and Celebrini could be the dynamic duo that can get the team back into the playoffs. However, there needs to be a lot of help provided by General Manager Mike Grier this off-season. A new coach that can help development is also needed. Signing Smith is a positive step forward.
Main photo by: Christopher Hanewinckel – USA TODAY Sports
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