One player to watch early in Round 1 of the NHL Draft is Will Smith, who has the potential to surprise us and up-end the top of the draft if he goes in the top three, but who could also come to the Canadiens at No. 5 (and, who knows, maybe even fall a spot or two from there if trades change the order).
Smith will be a highly appealing target because he is full of explosive offence and is another centre in a class deep at the position off the top. His next steps will be to go to the NCAA at Boston College, where he'll continue playing with the same linemates he shared the ice with this season and should thrive in a crucial development season.
Whoever gets Smith knows they're getting a high-octane offensive boost. Sam Cosentino and Jason Bukala have more on the player.
Sam Cosentino on the player: This Smith is no joke. Most recently named MVP of the 2023 U18s, Smith’s offensive game is amongst the best in this draft class and he will be forever linked to New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes for his point production. Smith's 20-point performance in Switzerland at the U18, tied with Hughes for the most points by an American player in one tournament. Over Smith's two seasons with the USNTDP, his 191 career points sit second only to Hughes’ 228.
With games against the USHL, NCAA and a number of international opponents, the USNTDP played a total of 63 games this season and Smith suited up for 60 of them, accumulating 51 goals and 76 assists for a whopping 127 points. The 76 helpers were the third-most in program history.
Not making the cut for the US WJC team team provided Smith with some second half inspiration to the point where he scored three points or more in 16 games from January 12 through the completion of the U18s to end the season.
Smith centred arguably the top line in the program’s history along with fellow Boston College commits Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. Smith will become the 14th person in his family to attend B.C. He plays the game at high speeds and possesses the rare ability to match his feet with an elite hockey brain. He can drive the middle lane and work the triangle, he can beat defenders to the outside, but he's also great on cut-backs with enough patience to wait for the best option after backing off defenders.
Jason Bukala's scouting report: All offence. MVP at the U18 Worlds with nine goals and 11 assists in seven games. Elite playmaker, goal scorer and point producer. Solid skater with great edges. Unquestionably one of the most dynamic players in the entire draft. Projects to be a top-line point producer at the NHL level and a prime contributor on a first PP unit.
7:44
COMMENTS
When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.