Because it's the mains and SJ isn't a Canadian team. Much like Fantilli most of the actual discussion at this point is happening on the SJ board I would imagine.
The only reason Fantillis has been at the top is because I've been updating it through the start of prospect camp today.
Came to this thread to see if anyone outside of our SJ boards were discussing Smith -- appears like no.
Discussion on SJ boards mostly comes down to:
1. Some people are patient and waiting to see the results of his full season at BC. Any number of un-concerning reasons for a slower start.
2. Some people (including myself) are a bit concerned after a quiet summer and start to the season at BC. The analogy we finally got to is -- we drafted someone we hoped would be an A-level prospect (not A+), and his first report card/exam in the semester is more like a B... are we worried?
3. Some people were negative on him and still are, and there's a strong overlap with folks who thought we should have picked Michkov, regardless of the rumors he wouldn't have played for us as a small market team.
A few folks on the forum have watched the BC games and came away mostly with a positive impression of Smith's game... he has created some high danger chances, has had 2 breakaways, and seems to be processing but just not clicking. There is some concern (same as pre-draft) that he's a bit soft in board battles and seems a bit disinterested to play physically, but a counteracting strength on stick-lifts.
My take is the range of outcomes is centered around 2C or top 6 winger, but not elite/all-star (even though that's still possible). For me this is a bit disappointing as a 4OA but given how NHL drafting works, we'd take it and hope that we get another top pick in 2024.
