Promising Future: Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini Join Rebuilding San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks are embarking on a significant rebuilding phase, drawing on fresh talent to reshape their future. Among the most notable newcomers are Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini, both heralded as potential future superstars, joining the NHL team after achieving considerable success in college hockey.

Will Smith, a Sharks draftee, was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NHL draft. At 19 years old, he stands at 6-foot and weighs 181 pounds. Smith’s remarkable performance in his post-draft season at Boston College saw him leading college scoring with 71 points in 41 games. A crucial part of his success was playing alongside other first-round picks such as Ryan Leonard of the Washington Capitals and Gabe Perreault of the New York Rangers. Smith was also pivotal in Team USA‘s gold medal victory at the World Junior Championship, contributing nine points in seven games.

Smith’s skills have been praised extensively. Known for his “tremendous puck skills, vision, and offensive creativity,” according to multiple hockey analysts, Smith’s playmaking abilities on the ice are seen as a significant asset to the Sharks’ future. His agility and offensive intuition make him a standout player, capable of making high-difficulty plays with ease. However, some critiques exist regarding his physical play, which is less developed compared to his technical skills.

Macklin Celebrini, who joins Smith on the Sharks, adds further depth to the prospect pool. Together, these young athletes are expected to form a potent combination that could significantly enhance the team’s competitive edge in the coming seasons. Their integration into the NHL will require adjustments, especially considering the higher pace and physicality of professional games compared to college hockey.

Despite some concerns over Smith’s inclination to avoid physicality and his tendency to “flee the zone” prematurely, the Sharks coaching staff and fans remain optimistic about his potential impact. Learning to adapt to various playing styles and mastering different offensive and defensive situations will be crucial for him during the transition.

The upcoming NHL season poses several challenges for Smith as he adapts to playing against seasoned professionals. His performances during this transition will be closely scrutinized to gauge his development and readiness to compete at the highest level.