Will Smith, the San Jose Sharks' rookie and No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has surged to the forefront of NHL rookies since mid-January. Following a benching that came after a disappointing performance against the Minnesota Wild, Smith has recorded 14 assists and 21 points, positioning himself as a leading contender for the Rookie of the Year award. Coach Ryan Warsofsky noted that the pace of the game has slowed down for Smith, allowing his natural talents to shine through post-benching. Smith's maturity and resilience have turned the setback into an opportunity for explosive growth and scoring prowess.
Since mid-January, Sharks youngster Will Smith arguably has been the NHL's best rookie. Since Jan. 20, Smith's homecoming game in Boston, the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft's 14 assists and 21 points lead all rookies. His seven goals are tied for third.
Coincidence or not, his game has taken off since then, even before his triumphant return to Boston. "I'm not going to talk about it too much," Smith said in late February, when asked about that benching. "But I keep stuff in my head."
The pace of the game, it's slowed down for him," Warsofsky said. "For a remarkable talent like Smith, maybe it was just a matter of time.
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