Speculation: Player Discussion: Will Smith

[gaucholoco3]

Smith has always had a pretty good sense of spacing. He was rarely in a position to get hit at BC and that's starting to translate at the NHL level. He's also getting better at that on the breakout. For the last couple games, he's been reading the rim outs well and getting into position on the boards early to get the puck out of the zone.

According to NHL Edge data, he has one of the harder average shots in the NHL but I think a lot of that is this sense of spacing since he always has so much time to load up when he takes his shot. Could stand to make quicker shots but this is fun too.

He has a quick release as was evident in his first NHL goal but he is lethal when he gets time to load up. It is hard and accurate where he can pick his spot.

 

[DG93]

Last night was Smith’s best game at the NHL level. He was outmuscling guys for pucks in ways he never had before. He’s the real deal.

Loved it, but to be fair, Montreal's defense is soft as butter. Still good to see, but the next step will be to do that vs other much bigger/stronger defenses.

 

[PattyLafontaine]

There was a lot of talk during the last draft about taking Catton at 2 with the hopes of him being Clayton Keller/