WillSmith

News: 3 days agoSmith has been in contact with the Sharks throughout the offseason and remains likely to sign an extension with the team at some point, Max Miller of NHL.com reports Wednesday.

Spin: Smith and the Sharks didn't strike a new deal before Tuesday's deadline for players to sign eight-year extensions. Still, the 21-year-old forward seems likely to reach an agreement before becoming a restricted free agent next summer. General manager Mike Grier hasn't signed a player to an extension longer than five years since assuming the role in San Jose, but Smith is a candidate to receive a long-term deal. Smith racked up 24 goals, 35 assists, 16 PIM, 16 hits and 12 blocked shots in 69 regular-season games last year.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Smith missed almost exactly a month early in the season with an upper-body ailment, but was otherwise healthy and largely took the step forward many expected from the 2023 fourth-overall pick. In 69 games, Smith posted 24 goals, 59 points, 166 shots on goal, and 17 power-play points. It's difficult to focus on anyone else when Macklin Celebrini is on the ice, but Smith is an elite young player in his own right. One of these years, maybe this season, we're going to look up and he's going to average a point-per-game. The 21-year-old is an upside play in re-draft formats and an elite asset in keeper/dynasty leagues.