The Fresh Prince of Boston College is headed to San Jose. Will Smith announced on Twitter this morning that he’s just signed his entry-level deal with the Sharks.
No need to stay calm, it is HAPPENING! 🦈#TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/P1On3EHKAp
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 28, 2024
Smith’s deal is a three-year contract with a $1.95 million AAV but only a $950,000 cap hit, according to CapFriendly. Smith will receive $950,000 in salary for all three years which breaks out into an $855,000 salary and $95,000 signing bonus. He can receive $1 million in performance bonuses each season.
“Will is a dynamic and exciting young center 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’s journey to the Sharks
Smith has done a lot since he was claimed by the Sharks as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry draft. He played last season as a freshman at Boston College where he led the NCAA in scoring with 71 points (25 G, 46 A).
He was one of the ten semi-finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, which recognizes college’s best men’s hockey player. Boston College made it to the NCAA Frozen Four Finals before losing to Denver and missing out on a national championship. Despite the loss, Smith was named to the all-tournament team.
Smith has also represented Team USA on the international stage. He, along with the other members of the U.S. team, won gold at the World Junior Championship in January. Smith had nine points in seven games.
He also represented Team USA at the Worlds these past few weeks. While Smith had zero points in five games and was a healthy scratch for part of the tournament, it was still a good experience for the young forward. He had the opportunity to play against and alongside NHL regulars such as Erik Karlsson, Kevin Fiala and Brady Tkachuk.
He will take that experience with him to Sharks’ training camp this fall.
AHL is still an option
Obviously, Smith ideally dresses for the Sharks next season, but since he’s coming from college, he may also play with the Barracuda in the AHL for a bit. If he does, it will offer Sharks’ fans a glimpse of the future. Fellow 2023 draftee Luca Cagnoni signed an entry-level deal last week. Cagnoni is expected to start the season with the Barracuda, but he also has the potential to join the Sharks in the next few seasons.
And we haven’t even mentioned the first overall pick in this year’s NHL Entry draft. While it’s not a done deal until the pick is made, it’s virtually guaranteed that the Sharks will draft Macklin Celebrini.
