NHL Draft: BC-bound Lexington native Will Smith goes No. 4 to the Sharks
The San Jose Sharks chose Will Smith with the No. 4 pick in the NHL Draft.
With his name, it was only fitting he walked to the stage with the theme from “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” playing.
Smith a Lexington native was the first Massachusetts-born player selected this year. Before joining the U.S. National Team Development Program, Smith played at St. Sebastian’s in Needham. He was selected by San Jose’s Mike Grier, another St. Sebastian’s alum. He will be heading to Boston College in the fall before he steps foot in professional hockey.
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Smith played for the NTDP with Amherst native Ryan Leonard. With the addition of Gabe Perreault, the top line was the most productive line on the team. All three are headed to BC. Smith dominated with the NTDP, totaling 127 points off of 51 goals and 76 assists in one season. In two years in his NTDP career, he had 191 career points, second only to 2019 No.1 pick Jack Hughes.
He was named as the 2022-23 Bob Johnson Award Winner, an award that recognizes excellence in international hockey competition. He was also named tournament MVP at the Under-18 Men’s World Championship, averaging 2.86 points per game and leading the USA to a gold medal. He had 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 points.
The Athletic describes Smith as an “ankle breaker”, crediting his stick skills. He was ranked the No. 3 North American skater available by NHL Central Scouting.
