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C Will Smith - San Jose Sharks , NHL(2023, 4th, SJS)

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majormajor said:
I like your analogy and it's generally true that the margins for defensive play among forwards is lower than the margins between offensive contributions.

But for the record, defensively Leonard is more often battling in the low position while Smith waits at the point. Yes the NTDP has Smith taking the draw and not Leonard but they've always done things differently. The program really values creativity and putting their most creative players in the best position to develop that strength, and they don't try and stuff players into positional boxes.
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So the point is not how the line is deployed currently (you’re right, they often share defensive responsibilities) but rather the way they’ll be deployed in the NHL. I personally am a believer in Smith’s hockey IQ. I think that with gym time and concerted effort to improve his quickness will allowed him to be a better defensively. Additionally, I think once he plays in the NCAA a year or two, he’ll really hone his play selection and puck management, rather than just trying anything he can because he’s so much better than most guys he plays like this year that he can pull it off. Smith this year has really just been given the freedom to try literally anything in the offensive zone, but that won’t be how it is at BC and I think Smith is smart and talented enough to adapt.

BB88 said:
How do I hate him if I say at 5-7 jump with joy if you land him?

What I am saying is that the risk factor between Bedard and Smith are vastly different.
As well as the reward factor.

You are also comparing 2 prospects whom aren’t even close to being ranked in the same tier as prospects.

I’m not saying take someone from the 15-20 range over Smith, which would be similar to your comp. I’m saying I’d much rather have Carlsson (top3 ranked) over Smith.

Your comp is just totally missing the mark
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What I don’t understand how you persist in criticizing Smith under the premise that everyone is suggesting that he should be taken over Fantilli and Carlsson. No one is seriously suggesting that, only people trying to stir up discussion.

I also much prefer Fantilli and Carlsson to Smith. You’re arguing against a phantom opinion that doesn’t exist.
 
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Juxtaposer said:
What I don’t understand how you persist in criticizing Smith under the premise that everyone is suggesting that he should be taken over Fantilli and Carlsson. No one is seriously suggesting that, only people trying to stir up discussion.

I also much prefer Fantilli and Carlsson to Smith. You’re arguing against a phantom opinion that doesn’t exist.
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FWIW there is a contingent on the CBJ board, encouraged by some media on Twitter, that think of Smith as right there with Carlsson for #3. And Wheeler just came out with a list where they're practically tied.

But yeah I don't think that is a real reflection of where the professionals rank them. I'm not worried about it. Smith could be the CBJ choice at #4 though, it fits recent trends.
 
Juxtaposer said:
So the point is not how the line is deployed currently (you’re right, they often share defensive responsibilities) but rather the way they’ll be deployed in the NHL. I personally am a believer in Smith’s hockey IQ. I think that with gym time and concerted effort to improve his quickness will allowed him to be a better defensively. Additionally, I think once he plays in the NCAA a year or two, he’ll really hone his play selection and puck management, rather than just trying anything he can because he’s so much better than most guys he plays like this year that he can pull it off. Smith this year has really just been given the freedom to try literally anything in the offensive zone, but that won’t be how it is at BC and I think Smith is smart and talented enough to adapt.


What I don’t understand how you persist in criticizing Smith under the premise that everyone is suggesting that he should be taken over Fantilli and Carlsson. No one is seriously suggesting that, only people trying to stir up discussion.

I also much prefer Fantilli and Carlsson to Smith. You’re arguing against a phantom opinion that doesn’t exist.
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There are plenty of people saying that& as we get closer to draft I doubt they get quieter.
 
European Pro League production is drastically overrated look at the top players in nhle not many hits there
 
I highly doubt CBJ goes in this direction. But it would be extremely interesting to see how a team led by Johnson, Gaudreau, Laine, and Smith would fare. Talk about a 180 of their previous build.
 
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Will Smith belongs in Philly...this was prophesized in 1990:

"Now this is a story all about how
My life got flipped turned upside down
And I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there
I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air

In West Philadelphia born and raised
On the playground is where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin' all cool
And all shootin' some b-ball outside of the school..."
 
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Nabrules said:
Which reporter said this? Do you know?
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Portzline but that’s not quite what he said.

The scenario was if Colombus was picking 4 and Bedard, Fantilli and Carlsson were gone he said in his opinion they would skip Michkov for a center which in this case would be Smith.

But they are 3rd now. I would be very surprised if they skipped Carlsson.
 
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SuzukiSZN said:
Portzline but that’s not quite what he said.

The scenario was if Colombus was picking 4 and Bedard, Fantilli and Carlsson were gone he said in his opinion they would skip Michkov for a center which in this case would be Smith.

But they are 3rd now. I would be very surprised if they skipped Carlsson.
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He also said in his podcast that if they picked third and both were on the board he'd assume they'd pick Smith as well.

He also picked Smith in The Athletic's mock draft.

Now in saying this, Portzline also speculated last year that we weren't high on Jiricek. And we took him. So, Porty's hunch is sometimes wrong.

But at the very least it appears they are very interested in Smith. and as of today that is my expectation of who they pick at 3.
 
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The BJs should definitely go with who they see as BPA, but if they do take Smith, I think they’ll have to make some trades. Smith, Johnson, Gaudreau, all super high skill, soft finesse players. Laine is big but also somewhat in that vein, more about the skill than a real drive for the puck. That team would be dynamic on the PP but terrible at winning the puck back at even strength.

Carlsson is the best fit in terms of fit/team needs, IMO. If they think Smith or Michkov is BPA, they should go that route, but I think it’ll mean significant reworking of their core will become necessary.
 
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Prairie Habs said:
Isn't a glorified Kaapo Kakko just regular Kaapo Kakko? Does unearned hype get higher than his?
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The glorification is from he's actually listed as a Center unlike Kakko was and the Swedish league is thought of higher than the Finnish league
 
The fresh prince of the US National Team Development Program, Smith is the team’s top centre. He recently led the American squad to the gold medal at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships. Smith scored nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points in the nine-game tournament. Smith led the tournament in goals and points. He was named Tournament MVP, Best Forward, a tournament All-Star, and a top-three player on the team. This performance came on the heels of an incredible season with the NTDP. He put up 51 goals and 76 assists for 127 points in 60 games.

Smith also played in the 2022 Under-18s, winning a silver medal as an underage player. He put up two goals and two assists in four tournament games. Smith split the 2021-22 season between the NTDP Under-17 and Under-18 teams. He scored 31 goals and 33 assists for 64 points in 63 games. Smith is committed to playing his college hockey for the Boston College Eagles next year. Should he change his mind and go the CHL route, his rights are owned by the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. They drafted him ninth overall in the 2021 QMJHL American Draft.

lastwordonsports.com

Will Smith Scouting Report: 2023 NHL Draft #6

Will Smith Scouting Report: The Fresh Prince of the US NTDP led the American Squad to a gold medal at the recent Under 18s.
lastwordonsports.com
 
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