San Jose Sharks’ top young forward, Will Smith, has played center his entire hockey life until this season.
After getting an extended run at center to start his NHL career, the Sharks opted to shift the 19-year-old to the wing. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky has, on multiple occasions, said the team moved him to the wing to take some responsibility away from him during his development.
Smith hasn’t taken a development day in over a month and the game seems to be slowing down for the former No. 4 pick. The former Hobey Baker finalist is on a six-game point streak (two goals, five assists).
“I feel more comfortable, but I’ve played center my whole life, so I could do either one,” Smith said. “Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do.”
Smith has found chemistry with Mikael Granlund and Fabian Zetterlund. He had been playing with Macklin Celebrini previously, and despite the two having chemistry, the overall results weren’t the best.
“It helps that Granny and Zetts are two guys who can make plays and put in the back of the net,” Smith said. “Playing with those guys is nice, but I have all the confidence in the world that I can make plays and be myself.”
Despite some of his worst struggles this season, Smith’s confidence has seemingly never wavered. He and Celebrini have endured a lot of losing, but both maintain that they are excited about the future and will contribute to the San Jose Sharks’ turnaround.
