Sharks sign Will Smith to entry-level deal
Will Smith is turning pro, after all.
The San Jose Sharks signed their top prospect to an entry-level deal, he announced via the club Tuesday.
No need to stay calm, it is HAPPENING! 🦈#TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/P1On3EHKAp
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 28, 2024
It's a standard three-year pact for a 19-year-old carrying a cap hit of $950,000 and an NHL salary of $855,000, per PuckPedia.
After not turning pro immediately after his campaign with Boston College ended, there was speculation that Smith would spend another season with the Eagles.
A dynamic offensive center, Smith led the NCAA with 46 assists and 71 points in 2023-24, though he wasn't one of the three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award.
He also shined on the international stage, racking up nine points in seven games for the United States at the 2024 World Junior Championship en route to a gold medal. He donned the stars and stripes again at the 2024 World Championship but failed to record a point in five appearances as the Americans were bounced from the tournament in the quarterfinals.
The Sharks drafted Smith with the No. 4 pick at the 2023 NHL Draft. The team holds the first overall pick in the 2024 draft and is widely expected to select Boston University center Macklin Celebrini.
Given the lack of talent on San Jose's roster, Smith will likely get an opportunity to carve out a significant NHL role in 2024-25.