They didn't play on a line together regularly -- Smith generally played with Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. Between Leonard, Perreault, and Smith there have been literally dozens of pages of debate about who drives that line with no consensus.
The only thing to add to this good summary is that when Perreault was injured late season, Smith centered Leonard and Gauthier and it was a pretty lethal line, with Smith going on a points tear and probably having his best games of the season. At other times he looked for Perreault a little too much.
I mean, who is Smith even going to play with next year? I can’t imagine Smith and Celebrini play together on the same line other than PP.
I think he will struggle. Could play him with Eklund (Perreault) and Zetterlund (Leonard), but probably better to introduce him on the wing. Either way the sharks definitely need to sign some upgrades even if only moderate upgrades.
Well Will Smith scored a few more points, is a center and a year younger so I would say he is trending to be the more impactful NHL player. Cutter still looks really good though
I could see Couture on his wing if he is able to play. Eklund and Zetterlund could also be an interesting pair of wingers for him, but would leave Celebrini out in the air.
I think ANA did the same thing with Carlsson last year? You'd naturally prefer they play a full 82, but not a huge deal if it's planned (as opposed to reactive).
The rationale for signing seemed to have been that he had outgrown the NCAA after his first year. I've heard both his agent and his teammates refer to his point total as ostensible proof of that.
