2023 Top Draft Pick Signs With San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks are coming off a tough season, but they just got a massive boost. 2023 fourth overall pick Will Smith has signed with the team.

For a team that’s undergoing a full-scale rebuild for the first time in franchise history, this is a big deal. Will Smith just dominated at the collegiate level in 2023 after being selected by the Sharks. With Boston College last season, he led the entire Nation with 71 points in just 41 games.

San Jose is coming off of arguably their worst season in franchise history, only winning 19 games. They currently do not have a head coach, but have some strong candidates. They’re currently the only team without a head coach.

San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier put out a statement saying “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.”

Are The San Jose Sharks On the Rise?

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While the search for a head coach will continue, the Sharks now resemble a team that’s beginning to blossom. The prospect pool isn’t completely replenished, but with Will Smith, it certainly looks improved. The 2024 offseason might be the most important in franchise history and adding a top prospect is a massive step forward.

Top prospect William Eklund was arguably the best player on the deformed 2023 San Jose Sharks roster. Thomas Bordeleau was a late-season revelation to the team and could be a massive contributor to the team going forward. Fabian Zetturlund led the team in points and is hoping to continue leading the team next season.

Will The “Fresh Prince of San Jose” Make the Team?

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A massive question that needs to be asked is whether Will Smith will start the season on the San Jose Sharks’ main roster, or will he start the season in the American Hockey League on the San Jose Barracuda. It wouldn’t be unheard of for a top prospect to start his entry-level deal in the minors and it could help his development.

Despite his domination of the collegiate level, there is some improvement that could be made with Smith’s game. He needs to work on his defensive game as a center as it was easily the weakest point of his game. He also needs to work on his physicality, as he had a tendency to get knocked off the puck. His playmaking ability shined in college, but the size of the rink is much smaller in both the American Hockey League and the NHL.

What Will Smith Adds to the San Jose Sharks

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The San Jose Sharks have the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and will be drafting top prospect Macklin Celebrini. Adding Will Smith to a roster that already features top prospect William Eklund and will feature Celebrini makes the Sharks a much more compelling team heading into the 2024 NHL season. The 2023 season had shocking lows, but the 2024 season may produce some franchise-defining highlights.

Smith could potentially play on the first line as a center with William Eklund and Fabian Zetturlund on the wings. He could also play on the second line with Macklin Celebrini playing on the first line. There’s also a question of where San Jose Sharks team captain Logan Couture might fit into the roster depending on his health.

Next Season Will Be Better for San Jose

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There is now a beacon of optimism heading for SAP Center next fall. Regardless of who the next head coach is, the Sharks have more reasons to be optimistic. They have added another great young forward to the core and with the top pick in the draft will be adding even more top talent. From the abyss of the 2023 season, this team may rise up.

It also can’t be forgotten that San Jose will also have the 14th overall pick in the first round, courtesy of the Erik Karlsson trade with Pittsburgh. There’s a serious chance for this team to bounce back in the next couple of seasons.