Max Miller
As training camp opens for the San Jose Sharks, forward Will Smith doesn’t have a contract extension, but neither the team nor the player is worried.
After franchise superstar Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension this summer, all eyes turned to Smith. Since joining the league in 2024, the two have been side by side in many areas, including their future with the Sharks.
Both players are viewed as cornerstones the Sharks can build around as they continue their quest back to the postseason for the first time since 2019. Smith, who continues to get stronger in the offseasons, isn’t worried about getting a deal done before the regular season.
“It’s a huge year for me. I think I can make a huge step and help this group. I think there’s a lot of opportunity. People are expecting us to make the playoffs, but we’ve got to take it one game at a time,” Smith said on Thursday.
“I’m not worried about [contract discussions]. Control what I can control. I’m worried about playing hockey. Obviously, I’m really happy for all my former teammates, especially Mack. It’s great for the league, but for me, go out there and play hockey.”
Smith’s college teammate Ryan Leonard signed a massive eight-year contract extension with the Washington Capitals on Sept. 15. NHL teams had until Sept. 16 to extend players for a maximum of eight years.
San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier shared the same sentiment as the 21-year-old; he’s not worried about getting an extension done right now.
“We had some good conversations with Will and his group. And with Smitty himself. This is just the way it worked out that there wasn’t a deal done,” Grier said. “I told you guys when we met on July 1, I said then it’s not the end of the world if we don’t get them done. It’s all good. It’s in a good spot. We had good conversations, and I’m sure we’ll continue to have conversations as the year goes on.”
In professional sports, players have sometimes refused to discuss an extension while the season is ongoing. For Smith and Grier, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
“I’m always open to listening if they want to have a conversation during the season. There are no plans to talk tomorrow or next week,” Grier said. “I guess we’ll just see what happens down the road. If something happens during the year, great. If not, we’ll tackle it in the off-season.”
“Everyone knows going into the summer you can do an extension, but as I said, I didn’t really focus on it much,” Smith explained. “It was up to my agent [and] Mike to talk it out. Besides that, I just focus on hockey.”
Neither Smith nor Grier indicated what they’d discussed regarding contract value or term. Grier said he has a good “ballpark” for what he expects the San Jose Sharks to extend him at.
If Smith reaches July 1, 2027 without an extension, he will become a restricted free agent. Based on this summer’s offer sheet drama, SHD doesn’t believe the Sharks will let Smith get to that point.
More About:Sharks News