Sheng Peng
What’s Will Smith doing…well?
That might seem counterintuitive, just looking at counting stats.
Smith doesn’t have any points through five games played.
But it’s not as simple as those numbers.
Let’s look deeper.
What’s one thing that the 2023 fourth-overall pick has done well…and what’s one thing that the top San Jose Sharks prospect can get better at?
Let’s turn to SPORTLOGiQ stats, NHL scouts, Ryan Warsofsky and Mike Grier, and video to answer both questions.
Smith hasn’t produced any points, but he’s been involved in plenty of offense, relative to the rest of the San Jose Sharks.
That’s what the eye test suggests and what SPORTLOGiQ numbers confirm.
Smith is second among Sharks forwards with 7.48 Offense Generating Plays per 20 at 5-on-5, through Oct. 18. Granted, it’s just a handful of games into the season, but only Mikael Granlund (10.89) is ahead of Smith.
Per SPORTLOGiQ, Offense Generating Plays “are made up of all plays that lead to scoring chances. In other words, they’re plays that move the puck into high-danger areas or situations, recovering pucks for your team, and putting high-quality shot attempts on net.”
Offense Generating Plays like this haven’t connected yet for Smith, but they will.
Good thing, the Sharks are encouraging Will Smith to be himself.
“I think he’s overthinking his game at times, and he’s just got to go out and play. He’s obviously super-skilled,” head coach Ryan Warsofsky said.
Being around the puck a lot is no accident, it’s a skill. This should eventually lead to more production for Smith.
“Needs to think and play faster,” an NHL scout, not with the San Jose Sharks, opined about Smith.
And that’s true, but it’s important to remember that Smith, playing “slow”, is already making his share of plays.
There’s more to come from the 19-year-old — this is just a preview.
Speaking of his age, Smith is certainly showing his rawness defensively.
“Defensive details are obviously a work in progress,” Scout #2 said. “Just making a more concerted effort to being on the right side of the puck, especially for a centerman.”
This is what happens when the F3 center, the high forward furthest away from the forecheck, loses the middle of the ice.
F1 Mikael Granlund (64) pressures Phillip Broberg (6) going back for the puck and F2 Fabian Zetterlund (20) takes away the D-to-D option Justin Faulk (72).
Smith (2) appears to be pinching on Mathieu Joseph (71) along the wall, but the puck never goes there. Instead, Broberg hits Brayden Schenn (10) with the pass, and the Blues are off to the races, on a 3-on-2. Only a ferocious effort by Granlund negates the outnumbered attack.
This clip illustrates the importance of the F3, the high man, on the forecheck. If the F1 and F2 can’t win or stall the puck, like Granlund and Zetterlund fail to, the F3 can’t surrender the center lane like Smith has. That puts too much pressure on your defensemen.
Here’s how Warsofsky put it after this Blues game.
“We were losing our F3. He wasn’t in the middle of the ice as much as we need him to be there,” he said, not just talking about Smith. “We were giving up a lot of line rushes because we were losing our F3 and their D were jumping around our F1 and F2.”
The San Jose Sharks appear to be committed to keeping Smith at center. If so, that’s something to monitor with Smith.
For what it’s worth, GM Mike Grier has seen real defensive improvement from Smith: “He’s been pretty good in D-zone coverage and getting involved in those puck battles there. I think that’s something that’s improved on him since going back to his days at the program at BC.”
That said?
“Not sure how long he’s going to stay at center, might be easier to break him in on the wing,” Scout #1 suggested. “Expectations might be a bit unfair with him sharing the spotlight with Macklin [Celebrini].”
That’s a good point: As a prospect, Celebrini is in a class by himself.
He’s a first-overall pick for a reason.
Smith is a typical teenager in the NHL…albeit one with true point-per-game potential.
“Going to have to be patient,” Scout #1 said.
“He’s going to need some time,” Scout #2 agreed.
The important thing for San Jose Sharks fans to remember? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.