It’s official: the Sharks have signed their 2023 fourth-overall pick Will Smith to his three-year, entry-level contract.
This decision was expected this offseason after Smith finished his 2023-24 season as the NCAA's top scorer during his freshman year at Boston College and recently competed for Team USA at this year's IIHF World Championship in Czechia. More specifically, Smith recorded 71 points (25 goals, 46 assists) in 41 games this past season, and his assist and goal totals were good for first and sixth in the country among NCAA skaters respectively. He also set Boston College's freshman scoring record and tied the most points scored by a NCAA U-19 skater since 1993-94. In addition, Smith scored four goals and five points in the Hockey East Final to help BC win the conference championship, and recorded two goals and two assists for four points in four NCAA Tournament games to help lead BC to the NCAA Tournament Championship against Denver. Smith earned a variety of accolades during his first season at Boston College, including Hobey Baker Award Finalist, Hockey East All-Tournament MVP, Sharks Prospect of the Year for 2023-24, and a spot on the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team. Internationally, Will Smith competed for Team USA at this year's World Junior Championship, registering four goals and five assists for nine points in the tournament and guiding Team USA to a Gold Medal Victory against Sweden.
Overall, this is the right decision and only made sense for the Sharks' top prospect Will Smith to sign his ELC. He will be able to properly further develop as a hockey player by playing more games and facing tougher competition. In addition, by signing his ELC, Will Smith will inject more excitement into and around the Sharks organization and among Sharks fans. It's great and exciting to hear that many of the Sharks' top prospects are signing or have signed their entry-level deals, and I am absolutely looking forward to seeing Will Smith tear up the NHL in San Jose very soon.
Source: Sharks + SAP Center App
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