Will Smith expected to sign with San Jose Sharks this summer, could lead to Ryan Leonard signing with Capitals
Ryan Leonard declared his intention to return for his sophomore season at Boston College in mid-April, but rumors have swirled since suggesting that decision is not concrete.
Earlier this month, the Daily Faceoff’s Colby Cohen revealed his belief that Leonard’s linemate, Will Smith, was likely to forego his sophomore season due to the San Jose Sharks winning the draft lottery and the chance to select Macklin Celebrini first overall. Cohen and Frank Seravalli later concluded that Smith leaving could mean Leonard revisiting his decision.
Now, according to a report from San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng, Smith is indeed expected to sign his entry-level contract with the Sharks this summer.
“It looks like Will Smith will be joining the San Jose Sharks next year,” Peng writes. “Multiple league sources have indicated to San Jose Hockey Now that Smith should sign with the Sharks this summer, forgoing his college eligibility.”
In a tweet reply to the report, EP Rinkside’s Sean Shapiro stoked the Leonard to DC fires even more.
“I’ve heard that if this happens, and Sheng is plugged in in San Jose, Ryan Leonard would likely be reevaluating his decision about returning to BC next year and potentially signing with Washington sooner,” Shapiro reported.
Leonard and Smith just wrapped up playing for Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Championship. The two Boston College stars were two of just four college players to don US jerseys at the tournament, joining Trey Augustine and Gavin Brindley.
Leonard ended his first season in the NCAA with 60 points (31g, 29a) from 40 games, scoring the third most goals in the country. His 31 tallies set a new all-time school record for most goals scored by a freshman. The previous record (30) had been held by Brian Gionta since 1998.
The 19-year-old winger was approached by the Capitals to sign an entry-level NHL contract before Washington’s first-round playoff matchup with the New York Rangers but rebuffed the attempt. Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said in early March that he thought the young forward looked NHL-ready in Rookie Camp before he even played in his first NCAA game.
Washington will have room for Leonard on their roster as the club will likely see wingers Max Pacioretty and Nicolas Aube-Kubel depart as unrestricted free agents this summer. TJ Oshie is also deciding on his future due to lingering back injury issues.
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