The San Jose Sharks have locked up their No. 1 prospect.
Forward Will Smith is leaving the NCAA and signing with the Sharks, the team announced Tuesday.
Smith, 19, was the fourth-overall pick in 2023. The six-foot centre from Lexington, Mass., had 25 goals and 71 points as a freshman at Boston College last season.
Before his NCAA career, Smith was one of the most productive players to ever go through the U.S. Development program. Across 60 games, he registered 127 points (51 goals, 76 assists) which is the second-best single-season scoring output in the program’s history, and over his career with the U.S. National squad, he ranks second in all-time points (191), behind only Jack Hughes.
“Will is a dynamic and exciting young centre and we are thrilled to have him join the organization after an impressive season with Boston College,” said Sharks general manager Mike Grier in a statement. “We felt that this is the next best step for his development to becoming a full-time NHL player, and we are looking forward to seeing him compete at the highest level of hockey.”
Smith leads an exciting crop of next-generation Sharks that soon will include Macklin Celebrini, the projected No. 1 selection in next month's NHL Draft.
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