Confirmed with Link: Canadiens Will Pick 5th (Hughes Presser in OP) NO POLITICS

[The Real Timo]

When's the bloody draft already? I want Bedard, goddamnit!

 

[SwiftyHab]

Teams talking to MItchy this week

 

[FF de Mars]

Maybe michkov pulls a jagr and tells each team he isn't coming over soon and is signing for an extra contract then tells the capitals he will come over right away. If jagr did it so can he but it only takes one in the top 7 to draft him and call his bluff.

Ovechkin is so old he will retire soon, what are the incentives? What is the difference between the Capitals and other teams for Michkov? Jagr wanted to play with a young Mario on a contender is what you're saying.

 

[waffledave]

I subscribe to a lot of scouting sources and waste a silly amount of time and money on it. None of them state what you're suggesting about Smith. None. He is an amazing talent who ignores defensive responsibilities, is a perimeter player, has no physical game and waits for the puck to come to him.

But again, he has ridiculously high skill level. The concerns with Smith are whether these gifts are enough to offset his many flaws...especially come playoff time.

Will Smith - 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - March 4 2023

Will Smith is a dynamic offensive player who is centering the NTDP’s top line this year and is very creative offensively while being reliable defensively. This year’s U18 team in the NTDP is a bit more sparse when it comes to top-notch draft prospects, with Smith being one of just four prospects who are generally considered to be first-round level talents. Smith is an above average skater, especially when it comes to maneuverability, which gives him an advantage in all three zones. He’s agile enough to quickly switch coverage on defense and usually fast enough to separate himself from defenders on the rush at the junior level.

Smith attracts a lot of attention in the offensive zone, drawing multiple defenders in his gravity before making a deft pass out of pressure to one of his lucky teammates. He has a ton of deception built into his game, and is capable of faking opponents with his head, eyes, shoulders, and skates. It’s very difficult for defenders to predict where he’ll go next, and as soon as they commit one way he zips off in another.

The ability to make tough plays under pressure at high speeds is often referred to as “pace”, and it is one of the biggest indicators that a player will find ways to succeed in the NHL someday against the fastest and smartest competition in the world. No matter what you call it, Smith has it. In fact, he thinks so quickly that he’s often making plays in an effort to predict what defenses will do next which can sometimes be as dangerous as it is exciting.

...

Smith has the potential to be a top line center with a great two-way game and he’s a pretty safe bet in my mind to become at least an excellent second line center. He will control an NHL powerplay from the flank both as a finisher and a distributor, and could even turn into a guy you want on your penalty kill as well. Smith has 90+ point potential and his ability to pull off the absurd things he does at such a high speed gives me hope that he’ll be able to execute similar moves in the NHL someday.

2023 NHL draft scouting report: Will Smith has 'no holes' in his game -June 2 2023

A creative and prolific scorer, Smith is masterful with the puck, but also adept without it. He can outthink and out-skill opponents at an elite level.

The Boston College commit was second on the star-laden U.S. national U-18 team with 127 points this season. He put up 51 goals, 76 assists and a plus-71 rating in 60 games.

"He's one of those players that, consistent with the [U.S.] program, has the excellent speed and quickness," Dan Marr, the director of NHL Central Scouting, said Thursday in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. "It's difference-making type of speed and quickness. But to go along with that, he's got the offensive instincts and intuition where he reads the play and anticipates and reacts. And it's all at an unbelievable quickness. He gets opportunities and creates opportunities that others don't see at the same times, it takes them a little longer."

...

"There's no need to look for what he might not be able to do as well in other parts of the game because when he's out there, he's focused and he's motivated."

Rena Laverty/USA Hockey's NTDP

...

"He's going to be able to generate and contribute offensively, but he's also got instilled in him a really strong work ethic, so he's committed to playing the two-way game — he'll backcheck, he'll stay with his check, he understands the game without the puck," Marr said. "He's all those players where there's no holes to his game. He's just going to mature into an NHL player. How soon that'll be? We'll wait and see.

"But he's got all the tools and he's really a committed athlete. He's committed to being one of the best players he can be. He's an impressive young man."

https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/2023/05/09/will-smith-scouting-report/- May 9 2023

Smith is a very good skater and this allows him to play a very creative game. He has very good speed and is able to create off the rush. His acceleration is also excellent. This allows him to win races to loose pucks. It also allows Smith to go wide on a defender and drop his shoulder, cutting to the front of the net. His ability to change speeds in the neutral zone creates openings and allows him to gain the line and effectively establish puck possession in the offensive zone. Smith also has very good edgework and agility. This makes him a real challenge for defenders to contain in one-on-one situations. Smith has good balance and does well along the boards and in front of the net. This area of his game should continue to improve as he adds muscle to his frame.

Smith controls the puck in the offensive zone, creating space and scoring chances for both himself and his linemates. He can make plays in a phone booth, with impressive hands and good lateral agility and excellent acceleration. This allows Smith to manipulate defenders and open up passing and shooting lanes. He has very good vision and hockey sense. Smith can control the puck down low, waiting for a teammate to get open. When they do, he can feather a pass through a tight passing lane. Smith is also very good with a saucer pass, avoiding opponents’ sticks and getting it to a teammate. This makes Smith a dangerous playmaker, one of the best in this draft.


Smith also has a very good wrist shot and a quick release. His goal-scoring has gone up as he has started to use it more often. Smith also has the soft hands to score in tight to the net. He can deke goaltenders, pounce on rebounds and quickly elevate them into tight openings, and tip-in or one-time a pass or shot from a teammate. His balance allows him to work in front of the net and win battles in the corners as well. With the puck on his stick, Smith is not afraid to play in the dirty areas of the ice. He has the hockey sense to find openings in the defence and get open to take a pass from a teammate.

Smith also plays a 200-foot game and works hard in the defensive end. He backchecks effectively, bringing back pressure to support the defence against the rush as well as supporting the defence down low. His size and strength allow him to win battles in all three zones at the junior level. However, Smith will need to add muscle to his frame in order to continue to be successful at this at the pro level. He also does a good job of reading the play and using his stick to cut down passing and shooting lanes. When a turnover is created, Smith is quick to move the puck up the ice and create offence on the rush. He is also good in the faceoff circle.

Will Smith | Will Smith Profile | Will Smith Scouting Report 2023

Will Smith scouting report for NHL Draft. Profile contains Will Smith stats, videos and written bios

www.mynhldraft.com

Chris Peters - Flo Hockey - June 7th: "Smith has a chance to be a play-driving forward that creates offense in bunches. He wants the puck a lot and he makes those around him better."

Tony Ferrari - The Hockey News - June 5th: "Will Smith is one of the most entertaining players in the draft class with his skill and creativity on offense. He was the driver and catalyst on one of the most entertaining lines at any level of hockey."

Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - June 5th: "A brilliant handler and manipulator of the puck, including at full speed, Smith is a tantalizing and slippery talent who blends deception, baits and fakes (with his eyes, shoulders and head) into his movements to not just make opposing players miss but often send them the wrong way."

Chris Peters - Flo Hockey - June 1st: "As a play-driving center, Smith has the puck on his stick an awful lot. He’s often carrying pucks into the offensive zone and when he crosses that blue line, he’s about as dangerous as any player in this class. He knows all of his options and often picks the right one."

Corey Pronman - The Athletic - May 30th: "Smith is a dynamic offensive player who stands out every game with his talent. He has tremendous puck skills, vision and overall offensive creativity and projects to be a major asset on an NHL power play."

Steven Ellis - Daily Faceoff - May 29th: "Smith was named MVP of the U-18 Worlds after scoring nine goals and 20 points in just seven games en route to a gold. It was one of the best tournament performances ever, with Smith recording at least a point in every single game."

Jason Bukala - Sportsnet - May 5th: "He's an elite playmaker/goal scorer. Unquestionably one of the most dynamic players in the draft class. Projects to be a top-line point producer at the NHL level and a prime contributor on the first PP unit."

Smith sets sights on 2023 NHL Draft, freshman year at Boston College - June 17 2023

"You very rarely see an off game from Smith," Central Scouting director David Gregory said. "I love the fact he plays with his head up and is always moving so he knows he can handle the puck at full speed. He's looking for opportunities and that's what makes him such an elite player."

...

"It's been great to see just the work that he's put in here since day one," NTDP U-18 coach Dan Muse said. "Just the drive that he has to really keep working towards the best version of himself. He's a player that has this huge ceiling and he's really exciting to work with because he's very coachable. He really wants to find ways to keep taking steps in his game."

To that end, Smith had 40 points (16 goals, 24 assists) in 22 games against NCAA competition this season.

"The offense has always been there, but he's continued to evolve and grow his offensive game just like the other parts," Muse said. "I thought his play away from the puck was really good. I thought he and Perreault, that whole line, played really well away from the puck."

Will Smith

July 2024 - Smith finished his freshman season at Boston College with 25 goals and 46 assists in 41 games. He led the team in total points and assists, finishing third in goals. Signing his entry-level contract with the Sharks in May, Smith will join San Jose for the 2024-25 season. Although a...

dobberprospects.com

September 2022 – Will Smith split last season fairly evenly between the USNTDP’s U17 and U18 squads and produced well at both levels. In 35 games with the U17s, he tallied 17 goals to go along with 20 assists, and nearly matched that rate with the U18s, scoring 14 goals and 13 assists in 28 games. He also added four more points at the U18 Worlds, earning a silver medal with Team USA.

Smith is one of the more interesting players to watch this year due to his complete, two-way skill game. The Boston College commit will look to improve on his already great production from last year. Smith played a lot of last year with the U18 squad as a 16-year-old and looked very comfortable. He’s a confident, skilled forward who can play either center or wing and has a great set of hands and playmaking ability. Smith can score, too, as he’s got a very quick, deceptive release and is a very intelligent offensive player, therefore creating lots of scoring chances for himself and his teammates. This year, Smith will be playing full-time with a lesser-talented U18 team but should still put up some high-level numbers playing alongside some solid top-six forwards. Evan Pace

April 2023 – Will Smith has had lots of incredible performances over the year, but there have also been some mediocre ones. Mixing in a bad game here and there isn’t surprising as he just turned 18 years old. Also, Smith usually follows up a tough performance with a jaw-dropping one. Smith has legitimate star potential and is going to continue his success at Boston College next year where he’ll likely play alongside his NTDP linemates once again. He extends possessions, finds teammates using great deception and can score at a high level in the future. His role at the next level will be determined by his development in areas like his skating stride and his two-way game, but his offensive game has little-to-no holes. He can play physically but is much more reliant on skill because he has elite tools and an excellent feel for the game. Evan Pace

Versatile, two-way forward with high-end offensive skill. An offensive creator who plays a responsible game away from the puck, he should develop into a reliable top-six forward in the NHL.

Why Will Smith, the 2023 NHL Draft's ankle-breaking star, is just scratching the surface - April 24 2023

Brendan Buckley, the Eagles’ associate head coach (who has watched Smith for years because his nephew is an ’05), can hardly wait.

For Smith.

“(Smith) can really skate, he’s got high, high-end skill, he can really shoot the puck, he’s got a quick release, and he loves to be a disher as well,” Buckley said. (And) he has it (the puck) a lot. And he sees what’s happening around him. When he gets going, he doesn’t drop his head and then lift it and go ‘Oh s—.’ It’s up the whole way.”

...

At the start of last summer, after his under-17 year at the program, Van Allen then pulled him aside to tell him “Look, you’ve been here for a little bit now, I expect you to lead this group. People look up to you.”

Smith rose to that challenge, too, joining Van Allen’s college group because that’s where his skill level now was on the ice. As the summer progressed, he caught up quickly on the turf and in the racks, too, and “definitely held his own around a handful of athletes who are in their early-to-mid-20s.”

“He has made very nice gains in his time with us. And that’s a testament to their program out there in Michigan, too. You start to see some power output on the turf. Now you’re not saying ‘This kid’s a kid’ anymore,” Van Allen said. “You’re watching a little kid really grow up in front of you to the young man that he is now. It’s so cool to see athletes with the trajectory such as Will’s and to see him realizing the progress over time. He comes in ready to work every day. There’s never a day where he’s just not feeling it. And there’s always a level of confidence, even when in our space there wasn’t much reason for one at the start. I’m sure that comes from the athlete that he has always been on the ice.”

...

“He’s a guy too where his play away from the puck, just in the time that he has been here, has really come a long way and it’s something that he has really worked on,” Muse said. “And because he has put the work in, he has made some really big strides there. It’s something he probably doesn’t get enough credit for but it has really come a long way.”

His next evolution? He wants to become a penalty killer in college.

“I want to be out there. You can still be a threat even when you’re down five-on-four, especially knowing how guys are on the power play I know how to read them,” Smith said.

2023 NHL Draft prospect Will Smith has everything teams want - Jan 18 2023

Smith is a versatile centerman with a high offensive floor and plays a reliable two-way game. Many scouts believe he’ll be valuable as a middle-six forward that can hold his own physically and set players up on the rush while putting up 20-plus goals consistently. And they especially love how he thinks the game.

“There aren’t many prospects that can get the most out of their linemates like Smith,” a scout said. “It doesn’t matter who he plays with. He’s smart enough to hold on to the puck for just the right amount of time needed and knows when he needs to be selfish and do it all himself.”

It doesn’t take many viewings to know he’s deceptive and handles the puck well on the rush. Smith drives a lot of the play on his line and his confidence to make quick dekes is sky-high. Nothing specifically makes Smith stand out compared to someone such as Bedard or Matvei Michkov. Smith isn’t the most skilled player out there, and he isn’t going to blow you away speed-wise. But there are very few weaknesses in Smith’s game, and he can play just about any role needed quite reliably.

I'll conceed that the one from January is a bit dated, I just had to laugh at this part:

Putting up solid numbers at the U-17 level is one thing. But the competition ramps up with the U-18 team, especially when dealing with tough NCAA competition. Smith had 59 points in 32 games heading into the showcase, with his last USHL outing being a five-assist night against the Madison Capitols. Smith won’t come near Auston Matthews’ single-season USNTDP record of 117 points, but 75-80 points – somewhere around Logan Cooley’s production last year – is very tangible.

2023 Draft Prospect Profile: Will Smith - May 1 2023

Daily Faceoff characterizes Will Smith as “a versatile centerman with a high offensive floor who plays a reliable two-way game. Many scouts believe he’ll be valuable as a middle-six forward that can hold his own physically and set players up on the rush while putting up 20-plus goals consistently. And they especially love how he thinks the game”. Smith has the ability to produce offensively without blazing speed or as much dynamic skill as Connor Bedard or Adam Fantilli. Instead, Smith plays an extremely intelligent game positionally and drives the play for his linemates, making him a playmaking center. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic had this to say about Smith. “He’s an impressive puck handler who dodges close-outs and plays through holes in coverage in possession with ease, regularly hanging onto pucks to delay and fake his way into his spots. He’s also the kind of player who, despite a dangerous wrister, will more often look to deke in all alone than shoot.”

...

Smith is a crafty playmaking forward with legitimate scoring and a two-way upside. He works hard off the puck and attacks with intent, utilizing his puck skills to beat defenders one on one and create space for himself and his teammates.

...

Smith will admit that improvement will need to come on the penalty kill. The gifted center projects to be a top-line center in the NHL, but he would also like to be considered an elite defensive pivot. Physically, Smith will continue to fill out his frame and should be able to sustain during the rigors of an NHL season and postseason.

The other area of Smith’s Game that needs to develop is his skating ability. His speed is average, and playing in Hockey East should help evaluate just how well Smith will be able to adjust to a faster game.

...

Some prognosticators predict that Smith will be comparable to Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras at the NHL level but with better defensive awareness. TSN’s Bob McKenzie has the following analysis of Will Smith: “The U.S. National Development Team U-18 center is a shade under 6 feet tall, but many scouts identify him as having the highest hockey IQ in the entire draft. He uses a vast array of offensive skills to drive a line alongside fellow first-round prospects Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault (son of former NHLer Yanic Perreault). Scouts say the trio, led by Smith, is the most dominant line in all of junior-age hockey”.

I've watched a lot of video on Will Smith and "He is an amazing talent who ignores defensive responsibilities, is a perimeter player, has no physical game and waits for the puck to come to him." is not at all how I'd describe him.

The guy won MVP awards in 2 tournaments this year. He's not going to cut it in the playoffs?

 

[Jaynki]

@xposbrad

I cant answer in the Entry Draft cause im banned there, i want to answer your post about winning the draft with Leonard at 5. I think there is some flaws into how you see it.

BPA is a very subjective things. To its core, it simply means drafting by talent and not by need. Partially fictive example, when Pittsburgh had Crosby and Malkin as their top two C and only six mediocre defenseman, according to the BPA concept, they should have drafted a C at their spot if they judged he was the BPA and not reach for a defenseman (need). Sometimes there is a clear BPA like Bedard but after it, it becomes very subjective.

If MTL pick Leonard at 5, the 10 team picking after won't have a "better prospects". MTL judged Leonard was the BPA at this spot. Are they wrong, right? Who knows?

If we talk honestly, without emotion or preference... Benson, Reinbacher, Dvorsky, Smith, Leonard all have a case against eachother and i would even add Carlsson and Fantilli to the mix. Its way more nuanced than we think or want to admit, which is why the draft is always full of "surprises".

There are no such things as winning or losing the draft two days after its done. Sometimes the very f***ing obvious pick simply does not end up the best player. Like Kakko.

Lets just hope we nail our pick, whoever that is. And dont worry, whomever we pick, there will be unsatisfied fans wanting to fire Hugo because he did not choose their favourite.

 

[SlafySZN]

34:45 Jeff Marek talking about the draft.

That’s just suppositions and his opinion but he could see the sharks/habs taking Benson and Smith.

 

[WeThreeKings]

34:45 Jeff Marek talking about the draft.

That’s just suppositions and his opinion but he could see the sharks/habs taking Benson and Smith.

I'd be super surprised on Benson.. he's truly someone that the internet scouting community loves way more than NHL teams do. But, maybe they are just being super quiet on him in hopes he slips.

I won't be upset with Benson at 5, but idk I think if you are willing to do Benson at 5, you might as well just take Michkov.

 

[SannywithoutCompy]

@xposbrad

I cant answer in the Entry Draft cause im banned there, i want to answer your post about winning the draft with Leonard at 5. I think there is some flaws into how you see it.

BPA is a very subjective things. To its core, it simply means drafting by talent and not by need. Partially fictive example, when Pittsburgh had Crosby and Malkin as their top two C and only six mediocre defenseman, according to the BPA concept, they should have drafted a C at their spot if they judged he was the BPA and not reach for a defenseman (need). Sometimes there is a clear BPA like Bedard but after it, it becomes very subjective.

If MTL pick Leonard at 5, the 10 team picking after won't have a "better prospects". MTL judged Leonard was the BPA at this spot. Are they wrong, right? Who knows?

If we talk honestly, without emotion or preference... Benson, Reinbacher, Dvorsky, Smith, Leonard all have a case against eachother and i would even add Carlsson and Fantilli to the mix. Its way more nuanced than we think or want to admit, which is why the draft is always full of "surprises".

There are no such things as winning or losing the draft two days after its done. Sometimes the very f***ing obvious pick simply does not end up the best player. Like Kakko.

Lets just hope we nail our pick, whoever that is. And dont worry, whomever we pick, there will be unsatisfied fans wanting to fire Hugo because he did not choose their favourite.

But Pittsburgh did do that, in 2006. They took Jordan Staal 2nd overall since they felt he was BPA. He didn't develop to be BPA at that spot, but they then traded him for Sutter, Dumoulin, and the pick that became Pouliot. Sutter was whatever, but Dumoulin was a big part of what won them two cups later on.

 

[Rapala]

How much success do you really think you'll have by laughing at a post and then replying with this is funny and going on with your side angle/opinion expecting me to respect it? I've learned. I don't agree and not engaging. Start the conversation better next time and we can talk like adults. You're better than that

I said what I said and stand by it. It's not really funny. You just have your own opinion. I'd give you more context but waste of time. I guess you are willing to bet guys from 6-10 will be better than Michkov?

I don't really care what you respect. If you would have couched your post as I or if you had said if we don't pick Michkov and our selection busts then I'm good with it, But assuming you know how others will feel is laughable.
The majority of people don't give a flying f*** about players who aren't here. They will be focused on who we did select and what their impact is on the rebuild. So once again if you are not accurate expect to be called out on it.

 

[SlafySZN]

I'd be super surprised on Benson.. he's truly someone that the internet scouting community loves way more than NHL teams do. But, maybe they are just being super quiet on him in hopes he slips.

I won't be upset with Benson at 5, but idk I think if you are willing to do Benson at 5, you might as well just take Michkov.

When you think about it, Benson has everything they’re searching for in a prospect. So i wouldn’t be that surprised. Leonard is one i also think he’s everything they are searching for.

 

[BergevinBurner]

I'd be super surprised on Benson.. he's truly someone that the internet scouting community loves way more than NHL teams do. But, maybe they are just being super quiet on him in hopes he slips.

Same here, I wouldn't be shocked if Benson ends up being a top 5 player in this draft, but I would be shocked if he's picked in the top 5.

As much as everyone preaches BPA, teams draft by size and position every year. The fact that he's smaller and a winger will probably move him closer to 10th than 5th IMO.

 

[SannywithoutCompy]

Same here, I wouldn't be shocked if Benson ends up being a top 5 player in this draft, but I would be shocked if he's picked in the top 5.

As much as everyone preaches BPA, teams draft by size and position every year. The fact that he's smaller and a winger will probably move him closer to 10th than 5th IMO.

I have him 8th on my board but I've got him mocked to Arizona at 12. I think it'll be one of those things where teams really have their eye on a certain guy, and Benson ends up 2nd on a lot of teams' boards.

 

[Schooner Guy]

Will Smith - 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - March 4 2023


2023 NHL draft scouting report: Will Smith has 'no holes' in his game -June 2 2023



https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/2023/05/09/will-smith-scouting-report/- May 9 2023

Will Smith | Will Smith Profile | Will Smith Scouting Report 2023

Will Smith scouting report for NHL Draft. Profile contains Will Smith stats, videos and written bios

www.mynhldraft.com

Smith sets sights on 2023 NHL Draft, freshman year at Boston College - June 17 2023

Will Smith

July 2024 - Smith finished his freshman season at Boston College with 25 goals and 46 assists in 41 games. He led the team in total points and assists, finishing third in goals. Signing his entry-level contract with the Sharks in May, Smith will join San Jose for the 2024-25 season. Although a...

dobberprospects.com

Why Will Smith, the 2023 NHL Draft's ankle-breaking star, is just scratching the surface - April 24 2023



2023 NHL Draft prospect Will Smith has everything teams want - Jan 18 2023



I'll conceed that the one from January is a bit dated, I just had to laugh at this part:


2023 Draft Prospect Profile: Will Smith - May 1 2023



I've watched a lot of video on Will Smith and "He is an amazing talent who ignores defensive responsibilities, is a perimeter player, has no physical game and waits for the puck to come to him." is not at all how I'd describe him.

The guy won MVP awards in 2 tournaments this year. He's not going to cut it in the playoffs?

Most or your examples align with what I posted. Terrific talent, needs work defensively, not physical...has great upside. Having said that, what's with the non-credible sources? Logan Horn from the Hockey Writers. Who? Dobber. That's a hockey pool site.

Smith's a tremendous talent. He could go #3 overall. However your post implying that he's a physical beast in the dirty areas just isn't reality.

MVP awards in 2 tournaments in USA U18 play has absolutely nothing to do with cutting it in NHL playoffs. Johathan Drouin was CHL Player of the Year in his draft year for chrissakes.

 

[WeThreeKings]

When you think about it, Benson has everything they’re searching for in a prospect. So i wouldn’t be that surprised. Leonard is one i also think he’s everything they are searching for.

Not necessarily everything since the skating is probably below their skating KPIs.. we know they are looking to add size whenever possible, so that's another knock on him.

I just wonder how much that major shoulder injury shook his stock, you play the way he does at his age and getting shoulder issues makes one start to think of a Gilbert Brule career.

 

[The Real Timo]

Ovechkin is so old he will retire soon, what are the incentives? What is the difference between the Capitals and other teams for Michkov? Jagr wanted to play with a young Mario on a contender is what you're saying.

Michlov can play with Hoffman and Dvorak. How is that for an incentive?

 

[Andrei79]

When you think about it, Benson has everything they’re searching for in a prospect. So i wouldn’t be that surprised. Leonard is one i also think he’s everything they are searching for.

They seem to value size and skating though.

Will Smith - 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - March 4 2023


2023 NHL draft scouting report: Will Smith has 'no holes' in his game -June 2 2023



https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/2023/05/09/will-smith-scouting-report/- May 9 2023

Will Smith | Will Smith Profile | Will Smith Scouting Report 2023

Will Smith scouting report for NHL Draft. Profile contains Will Smith stats, videos and written bios

www.mynhldraft.com

Smith sets sights on 2023 NHL Draft, freshman year at Boston College - June 17 2023

Will Smith

July 2024 - Smith finished his freshman season at Boston College with 25 goals and 46 assists in 41 games. He led the team in total points and assists, finishing third in goals. Signing his entry-level contract with the Sharks in May, Smith will join San Jose for the 2024-25 season. Although a...

dobberprospects.com

Why Will Smith, the 2023 NHL Draft's ankle-breaking star, is just scratching the surface - April 24 2023



2023 NHL Draft prospect Will Smith has everything teams want - Jan 18 2023



I'll conceed that the one from January is a bit dated, I just had to laugh at this part:


2023 Draft Prospect Profile: Will Smith - May 1 2023



I've watched a lot of video on Will Smith and "He is an amazing talent who ignores defensive responsibilities, is a perimeter player, has no physical game and waits for the puck to come to him." is not at all how I'd describe him.

The guy won MVP awards in 2 tournaments this year. He's not going to cut it in the playoffs?

Here are few quotes from NHL scouts from the black book:

"High end skill but he doesn’t really work hard, no physical game at all…his defensive game is not good…he doesn’t like to take pucks to the net…"
"His work ethic and play away from the puck is very sporadic."
"I’d still be afraid to draft him in the top 10 because his flaws are real. He doesn’t have many flaws but they matter."
"he plays pretty hard offensively but could care less about defense. Even Perreault does it…come back and stand and wait for the puck again.”
"I find him a perimeter guy and doesn’t give crap defensively.”"
"He’s a poor mans Zegras but he isn’t as good in a few areas. I think they are both just regular season guys. too"

 

[SlafySZN]

Not necessarily everything since the skating is probably below their skating KPIs.. we know they are looking to add size whenever possible, so that's another knock on him.

I just wonder how much that major shoulder injury shook his stock, you play the way he does at his age and getting shoulder issues makes one start to think of a Gilbert Brule career.

They might think they can help him with the skating.

I don’t think he’ll be their pick (neither sharks pick) but who knows.

 

[Dharvey08]

5th plus 31st and Calgary first for Cooley and 12th

I would do it

 

[armChairScout]

Hello everyone

Here is my thinking

These 4 players will go 1-4

Seems michkov is positioning himself to not go to the number 2-4 spot from what I am reading


Bedard
Fantilli
Smith (smith will go to one of the 2 American teams )
Carlson


If Montreal gets an interview with michkov then we pick him with our 5th

If we do not get an interview then we will pick Zach benson (unless for some miracle carlson and smith still available at 5)

Forget Leonard , he had one good tournament on a line with smith

Benson has been more consistent. And is the better player

My 2 cents

 

[SlafySZN]

They seem to value size and skating though.


Here are few quotes from NHL scouts from the black book:

"High end skill but he doesn’t really work hard, no physical game at all…his defensive game is not good…he doesn’t like to take pucks to the net…"
"His work ethic and play away from the puck is very sporadic."
"I’d still be afraid to draft him in the top 10 because his flaws are real. He doesn’t have many flaws but they matter."
"he plays pretty hard offensively but could care less about defense. Even Perreault does it…come back and stand and wait for the puck again.”
"I find him a perimeter guy and doesn’t give crap defensively.”"
"He’s a poor mans Zegras but he isn’t as good in a few areas. I think they are both just regular season guys. too"

Yes, but Hughes also said he had no problem drafting a sub 6’ player. They can also think they can help with the skating.

 

[armChairScout]

5th plus 31st and Calgary first for Cooley and 12th

I would do it

If they wanted him they would have picked him last year. It’s a no go

 

[waffledave]

Most or your examples align with what I posted. Terrific talent, needs work defensively, not physical...has great upside. Having said that, what's with the non-credible sources? Logan Horn from the Hockey Writers. Who? Dobber. That's a hockey pool site.

Smith's a tremendous talent. He could go #3 overall. However your post implying that he's a physical beast in the dirty areas just isn't reality.

MVP awards in 2 tournaments in USA U18 play has absolutely nothing to do with cutting it in NHL playoffs. Johathan Drouin was CHL Player of the Year in his draft year for chrissakes.

Those scouting reports all have quotes from NHL central scouting people or USHL coaches/scouts, among others. Dobber is a pool site sure but they do a lot of draft analysis and scouting reports.

I never said he was a physical beast in the dirty areas. I said he isn't afraid of getting into the dirty areas, and he's not. He is strong on the boards and in front of the net.

You said the guy is a perimeter player who just waits for the puck and ignores the defensive side of the game. The guy is a play driver on his line. He likes having the puck on his stick and his ability to hold on to it and deceive defenders while cutting to the middle is kind of his trademark. He's reliable defensively and backchecks, and it's an area he's committed to improving.

 

[Jaynki]

5th plus 31st and Calgary first for Cooley and 12th

I would do it

No interest in Cooley personally. I think we can have a similar talent-level player at 5 and although Cooley is super skilled, i don't think we should go for another smallish forward. (Unless its a super-elite talent like Michkov)

 

[armChairScout]

When you think about it, Benson has everything they’re searching for in a prospect. So i wouldn’t be that surprised. Leonard is one i also think he’s everything they are searching for.

I agree with you in benson. Not on Leonard

 

[Svart]

Same here, I wouldn't be shocked if Caufield ends up being a top 5 player in this draft, but I would be shocked if he's picked in the top 5.

As much as everyone preaches BPA, teams draft by size and position every year. The fact that he's smaller and a winger will probably move him closer to 10th than 5th IMO.

Sounds familiar