Speculation: Player Discussion: Will Smith

[Shark Finn]

With the discussion around Will Smith heating up and taking place in multiple threads, I thought maybe the guy deserves a thread of his own. Would make following the discussion easier and keep other threads on track.

Also something to look back at eventually when he either busts or becomes a 100 point player. No in-betweens.

Click to read more...

 

[mogambomoroo]

I hope Will Smith gets to play at least 9 games in NHL games before any decisions.
He seems to be on the 3rd line for the next game, which is fine. I also think it's fine he gets a good opportunity to find his pace. But I'm not opposed to give him AHL time to find dominance.
I just hope they give him a 1 or 2 games at PP1, just to see if it can bring any fire under him.

 

[coooldude]

Reposting the latest interview with wars and Smith himself

Struggling Sharks rookie Smith urged to breathe by Warsofsky

 

[Le Rosbeef]

It's almost like there's something that happens to all players between being drafted and admission to the Hall of Fame...

Dev... deleve... deple... devlim...

Naw, can't remember it. Besides, he should be the finished article already. He's had more than 30 minutes in the NHL now...

(Seriously, what are we becoming as a fanbase??????)

 

[landshark]

I dunno how much of a player he is since he married Jada in 1997...

 

[coooldude]

It's almost like there's something that happens to all players between being drafted and admission to the Hall of Fame...

Dev... deleve... deple... devlim...

Naw, can't remember it. Besides, he should be the finished article already. He's had more than 30 minutes in the NHL now...

(Seriously, what are we becoming as a fanbase??????)

I think we're seeing a perfect storm for the Smith mania:
1. people have something to care about again
2. But Celly out and Gush benched means the focus is on Smith
3. Because of the amazing hopeful off-season, expectations for some might have been too high (not everyone though)
4. Because of all the hype for the prospects and Smith specifically, hopes (and some expectations) were very high
5. Although it's early, Smith is having a rough start compared to his top of 2023 draft brethren, increasing the panic

Possible responses and my personal reaction on each:
1. Total panic. This one is unnecessary.
2. Serious concern - blame Smith aka worry about his potential in the NHL. this is more understandable, but still way too premature. Big, big names in the NHL have taken seasons to acclimate.
3. Serious concern - blame SJS aka worry about development. I think this is overblown. He's being given a lot of time and support. Struggle was predictable. He's going through normal pains.
4. Minor concern - development or Smith himself. Understandable. People could think he's better in the AHL after 10 or 30 games, better on this line or that, or be a bit worried that Fantilli, Carlsson, and Michkov all look quite a bit better at the same age. I don't fully agree but I totally get it.
5. Tempered patience. It's going to take 1-2 seasons for him to get up to speed, he still needs to grow and get a lot stronger, he's still almost 3 years away from being able to have a beer legally so there's a lot of maturity in body and mind to come, don't panic... Let the team pros decide what to do with him, and don't worry about the minutia of his development yet. BUT, also, no question that this start shaves a bit of the optimism off the very top of the possible outcomes, whether it's his fault, sharks fault, or both. This is where I am.
6. Total optimism. Nothing has changed - it's only 3 games, nothing at all to worry about, still sky high upside for the kid. I don't think I'm here but I get it if someone is.

 

[weastern bias]

My opinion: he's a teenager

 

[one2gamble]

im not worried about it, I think hes putting pressure on himself because of Mack, he wasnt insulated as well initially. He needs to regain some swagger, if you dont play with confidence this league will eat you alive.

 

[SJSharksfan39]

So far my opinion on Smith is two things. One, I don't notice him as much as I wish I did. Ever since Celebrini went down I was hoping that really get to watch Smith's game, but he's not playing the minutes I thought he would. The second thing is I'm already tired of the debate in the GDT about him. So far in the three games, the GDTs have turned into the same thing, should Smith go down or not. Personally I think he should get at least 10 games and actually get a look. He's young and will make mistakes. If this season is about developing the players, then lets develop the players. I think the issue right now is you have mixed messaging from the Coach. I don't see how you can develop players when they have a short leash and/or they only play 10 or less minutes a game. Either free Smith (And Gushchin for that matter) or send him down so he can be free in the minors.