SAN JOSE — Curious when top San Jose Sharks prospect Will Smith might leave Boston College and start his professional career?
Sharks general manager Mike Grier is wondering the same thing.
Grier said Saturday that he and Smith’s representative have spoken about the centerman’s future and the possibility of becoming a professional this offseason. But he’s also giving Smith his space and letting him take his time to decide whether he wants to join the Sharks or return to Boston College for a sophomore season.
“No decision has been made yet,” Grier said Saturday of Smith during the Sharks’ locker cleanout day. “We’re just continuing to talk to him. He’s a 19-year-old kid in college, enjoying life with not too many cares in the world. So we’ll continue to talk to him and see where it goes.”
Smith, who the Sharks drafted fourth overall last year, has a remarkable year in Chestnut Hill, leading all NCAA Division I players with 46 assists and 71 points in 41 games. Boston College, ranked as college hockey’s top team for most of the season, advanced to the national championship game earlier this month but lost to Denver.
“I think he’s ready for the NHL,” Grier said of Smith. “He’s got the brain, he’s got the talent, he’s already maturing physically and so from my standpoint, I think he can play in the league.
“But we’ll continue to have discussions and try to make the best decision for him.”
Coach David Quinn feels Smith could help the Sharks next season, saying, “He’s got an NHL skill set and brain, that’s for sure.”
Quinn said Smith probably needs to improve his pace, “But he’s a smart player, and he can skate and he’s quick. I think he’s smart enough to adapt to the level that he’s at.”
Will that loss in the national championship game affect Smith’s decision to turn pro, perhaps feeling there is some unfinished business? One of Smith’s linemates, Washington Capitals prospect Ryan Leonard, decided earlier this week to return to school for another season.
Nevertheless, Smith is considered the Sharks’ top prospect, part of a new generation of players that includes fellow forwards Quentin Musty, Collin Graf, Filip Bystedt, Kasper Halttunenand defensemen Henry Thrun and Shakir Mukhamadullin, among others.
“It’s a big decision for him, life-wise and everything,” Grier said. “So, we’ll see where it goes and we’ll probably have more details on that (coming up).”
Please check back for updates to this story.
Source: www.mercurynews.com