Leonard will have the easier transition because I think that guy can play with absolutely anyone, but won't carry a line on his own. He'll be an absolute elite complimentary guy if that makes sense. No matter who he's with, you'll notice him and he will look at least decent. That said, he plays a big game for a not big guy so he'll have to be cautious.
I've watched him in his draft year and this year. He's certainly not bad and has improved a ton in the KHL this year. Last year I found him to be a floating, big, slower but skilled winger. He'd wait for chances to score off the rush or park in front of the net and wait for tap-ins. He didn't seem like he was doing much else besides playing a purely offensive game. This year it's a bit different. He's clearly been coached up or always had an ability to play a more responsible game and I didn't see it before, because he's earning his icetime. He was playing third line both games I saw of his and he was hustling, creating turnovers in the defensive zone, and getting the puck to his teammates for breakouts. He's not a great skater in my opinion though. He's slow both in top speed and acceleration. He's limited in just how much he can do to transition the puck himself because of it. He's a good playmaker and he has a really good shot too.
He's not going back to BC.
Pre WJC I thought there was no way they could justify him going pro. Post WJC I could at least see an argument. I still think going back for one more year and being "the guy" while working on his strength, conditioning, and defensive game would be better for him and the org in the long run.
He's tied for the entire NCAA lead in scoring as a freshman in his D+1 season. Smith is too good for that league.
I think it depends on what happens in the tournament. If they clean up and he plays well against all these top end prospects, and then he and his agent feel he's ready, then Grier has to agree also. He has to be willing to play in the AHL for a bit - I'm sure they'll want him there to further develop pro habits and continue a strength program. Eklund was in Sweden for the extra year just like Bystedt, and it was probably the right call. I'm just not sure he's ready for a top 6 role on the Sharks next year and I wouldn't want him just grinding. This has been a good year for Ek... So that's what would change my mind, if he could have that kind of year on the big club.
With all due respect to Eklund and Bystedt, Smith is in a completely different class of prospect.
Guarantee you Rangers fans are lurking in this thread, so it’s good you clarified.
Yeah, Spitserov and Barnett are just scratcher tickets. Probably never amount to anything.
It feels to me like it could well be a collective decision: either they all return or they all turn pro.
7th round picks can turn into gems...after all, thinking of that famous Sharks 7th-round pick (name starts with a "J")...
