Will Smith's Crucial Rookie Season with Sharks

[UltimateFan]

Hey there! I just read about Will Smith's rollercoaster rookie season with the Sharks, and I have to say, it's a classic case of the growing pains that come with being a young player in the NHL. It's tough to see him struggle, especially after showing flashes of brilliance with those 11 points in 14 games. But the benching against the Wild raises some serious questions about how the coaching staff is handling his development.

I get that confidence is key for a rookie, and benching him might seem like a way to send a message, but it can also backfire. It’s interesting to see how different players are treated; it feels like there’s a double standard when you compare him to Celebrini. If the Sharks want to build a strong future, they need to find a way to support Smith through these tough times rather than isolating him.

I think they should consider moving him back to a line with more scoring potential. Playing alongside more experienced players could help him regain his confidence and find his rhythm again. It’s all about striking that balance between development and performance, and I hope the Sharks can figure it out. What do you think? Do you believe they should send him down to the minors for a bit, or keep him in the NHL to learn on the fly?