And since they’re likely to draft ahead of the CH, that could change Kent Hughes’ plans → https://t.co/zD0hAlUTLQ –
DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) April 20, 2023
In two weeks’ time, we’ll have a better idea of what’s in store for the Habs at the draft. After all, with the lottery (May 8) just around the corner, we’ll be in slightly more familiar territory, and in theend, we’ll know whether Connor Bedard will still be a target. Allthisto say that if the Habs don’t win the lottery, one of the names that’s often bandied about is Will Smith. And why is that? Because the player, who knows Kent Hughes well and would like to be in Montreal, is said to be in the Montreal Canadiens’ sights.He’s not just in the CH’s sights, in fact.
All this to say that the actor the Rangers pitcher the Dodgers catcher the American development program prospect will be in demand at the next draft.A center like him, that’s attractive.
Will Smith breaks ankles with such ease that it looks second nature to him.
Yet according to those around the potential top-five pick in the #2023NHLDraft, he’s just scratching the surface. My story on field hockey’s next American star: https://t.co/ULvVhzh52g pic.twitter.com/y0MPSNMSBH– Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) April 24, 2023
But since his season isn’t over yet, he has time to help himself out even more by representing the U.S. at the Under-18 tournament currently underway.He’s not exactly at the level of Adam Fantilli, who will play at the Worlds, or Connor Bedard, who can afford to say no to the Worlds, but Smith is still more than good enough.
As you can see, he probably spent many hours at his grandmother’s house during his youth. Why do I say this without really knowing it? Because he clearly learned to knit.
WILL SMITH ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! pic.twitter.com/k3v8VspbKJ
– TLY (@TheLibertyYell) April 23, 2023
Of course, it’s important to mention that one goal doesn’t make a career, and Grant McCagg is right: just because the guy beat up younger players doesn’t mean it’s going to translate to the NHL. Take it for what it is: a great goal in a season.
Will Smith is a very talented field hockey player. Whoever gets him is getting a skilled point producer for sure. But to suggest, based on one pretty goal and a couple of other dangles, that your team’s GM would be crazy not to draft him is WAY out there. Why bother even scouting?
– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) April 24, 2023
Warning: the former Canadiens scout isn’t saying he shouldn’t be drafted. He’s just saying that you shouldn’t say that Kent Hughes should draft him just because he saw that beautiful game.He’s right: there’s more to scouting than that.
It’s no coincidence, however, that Smith is one of the most promising youngsters of his generation, and is highly rated by most. The center has great qualities, and he’s had a great season.
Remember that he’s committed to playing with Boston College for next season. I don’t think that’s going to stop any club from drafting him anyway. After all, I expect to see him playing in the NHL in 2024 if all goes well.
In Brief
– Referees again.
ICYMI: Former Habs coach Jacques Martin joined @mckennaconor and @ShaunStarr78 and shared his thoughts on the NHL playoffs, young teams and officiating: https://t.co/lPlxMqTAHx –
TSN 690 Radio (@TSN690) April 24, 2023
– He’s all about the playoffs.
They don’t make ’em like Corey Perry anymore. The playoffs are his time. “This is why we play,” Perry says of this time of year. My piece on the NHL’s active leader in playoff games played:
via @TheAthletic https://t.co/ohbZxDSurq –Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 24, 2023
– Ah well.
The NHL has found a way to get you to eat as many digital ads as possible https://t.co/BavaH5YpIq pic.twitter.com/KHqhWo2ZJD
– SwissHabs (@SwissHabs) April 24, 2023
– Can he do it?
By moving on from a disastrous Game 1, there’s reason to believe Ilya Samsonov can push the Leafs past the Lightning and into the second round of the playoffs.
Latest from Tampa:https://t.co/NwM9ZWDtx9 –Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) April 23, 2023
– Logical.
Gerard Gallant wants Rangers to ‘pepper’ Devils’ rookie goalie with more shots https://t.co/73DmBRGEYa pic.twitter.com/QPjg8IE5lq
– New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) April 24, 2023