He’s pretty much a lock to be chosen top 7 in the 2023 NHL entry draft (4th-7th most likely). Smith is a dynamic offensive talent, and had an incredible break out year going coming into his draft season scoring 51 goals in only 60 games for the USNTDP. Crazy thing though, Smith is actually more of a playmaking centre who loves driving play with the puck on his stick. He stands 6’0 tall but currently is lighter at 172 lbs. Being a right shot centre will play to his favour for some teams. I could see the San Jose Sharks choosing to select him as high as 4th overall.
It’s not hard to see the appeal with Smith. The guy is a highlight reel waiting to be recorded almost every time he is on the ice. He can take an ordinary play and translate it into something special.
Will has had a good jr career but last season 22/23 was his coming out season. He lit things on fire with the NDTP in the United States. Most rankings place him at top 5 with only a few exceptions at 6 or 7. Bottom line, Will Smith is being drafted top 7 and there is no questions about that. The bigger question is, was it his coming out year or was it a one year wonder and we see him drop in his 18 year old season back to his past years numbers? Now that is ok but maybe without a great last season he would drop in the rankings to around 10th-15th overall in a draft like this one.
Smith is a player who wants the puck a lot and he makes those around him better because he is a driver and catalyst on the ice. One scout said “Smith is a tantalizing and slippery talent who blends deception, baits and fakes (with his eyes, shoulders and head) into his movements to not just make opposing players miss but often send them the wrong way.” Now that’s a player you likely don’t want to pass on.
It should be noted this past season he was named MVP of the U-18 Worlds. He scored 9 goals and 20 points in just 7 games and won Gold. He recorded a point in every single game for his team. Unquestionably Will is one of the most dynamic players in the 2023 draft class. Smith will be a point producer in the NHL especially on the power play.
PROJECTION: A future #1 Centre in the NHL in 3-4 years time, who I see as the 6th best player in this years 2023 NHL Entry draft.
Will Smith HIGHLIGHTS
Keep on Keeping on!
Evan ‘REV’ Renaerts
For more hockey news, different takes or if you want to follow Prospects in Jr hockey give a follow @revingev on TWITTER.
