Collectively, the Sharks are off to another disastrous start with no wins in nine games (0-7-2).
“I’m still learning,” Smith said as he took off his skates in the opposing team’s locker room during an interview with NHL.com. “There is no secret, we are off to a difficult start. We would like to change the onboard wind and I would like to contribute to it. »
“I have no choice but to work hard,” he continued. I would like to produce and that’s why I chose to sign my contract with the Sharks. I know the points will come eventually, I have a chance. I must not be discouraged. It’s a challenge to stay patient sometimes, but I’m just 19 and find myself in the NHL. »
Last year, Smith had a thunderous season with the Boston College Eagles with 71 points (25 goals, 46 assists) in 41 games. He formed the top line in the NCAA with Cutter Gauthier, now playing for the Anaheim Ducks, and Gabriel Perreault, a 2023 first-round pick of the Rangers.
At Boston College, Smith also won more games than he lost. It reached the Frozen Four final last year, losing 2-0 to the Denver Pioneers.
On the international stage, Smith also won gold with the United States at the World Junior Championship in 2024 and gold at the World Under-18 Championship in 2023.
In San Jose, at the heart of a rebuilding team, Smith is now eager to win just one small game.
“I sometimes need to talk to Will to reassure him,” said Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky. There is not a single player who follows the same path in terms of development. Will is not the first young player to encounter pitfalls when starting out. I could pull out 50 names. There are several things going through his mind. We didn’t expect a very easy transition for him. He must learn to become a pro. But he has elite talent. When the game slows down a little in his head, he will find his bearings and he will make more plays. »
A plan at the Leo Carlsson
The Sharks are counting on two gems to put their team back on track. Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 class in the 2024 draft in Vegas, is the other phenom. But Celebrini, who is injured in his lower body, has not played since the first game where he collected two points (one goal, one assist).
“I miss Mack on and off the ice,” Smith said. He is one of my very good friends. I spent practically 24 hours a day with him. We are practically the same age and we could share our realities and our daily lives. »
Like the Ducks last year with center Leo Carlsson, the Sharks intend to take it one step at a time with Smith. After nine games, he watched two games from the press bridge even though he was not injured.
“I understand that they have a plan for me, but I don’t always find it easy,” said the American. I am competitive and a winner, I would like to play every match. However, I listen to the organization’s recommendations. It’s part of a plan. »
Now 32 years old, Mikael Granlund can understand what his young teammate has been going through since the start of the season. A former first-round pick (ninth overall in 2010) by the Minnesota Wild, he made his debut with the Wild when he was 20 years old.
“I remember my first season in Minnesota, it was the year of the lockout (2012-2013), Granlund said. For the first few months, I played in Houston in the American League. I played my first games with the Wild in January of that same year. I quickly realized it was a different league. It was a shock. »
“I had to find out with my own eyes,” he continued. I realized I needed to get stronger and faster. My first year, it was difficult. What I did in the past was no longer enough. I needed to work even harder to keep up. The game became easier in my second year. Will will probably follow the same path. He has a good attitude and he wants to learn. He also has great talent. »
Granlund leads the Sharks with 10 points (four goals, six assists) in nine games. The Finn has therefore participated in more than half of his team’s goals (18) this season.
