The San Jose Sharks should draft Will Smith 4th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.

The San Jose Sharks should select forward Will Smith at No. 4 in this year's draft.

Team Teal is looking for a scoring punch, and while Smith's game isn't explicitly known for his goal-scoring, he is a dynamic offensive talent.

In 60 games with the U18 U.S. National Development Program, Smith had 51 goals and 76 assists. He was known for his ability to drive play with the puck on his stick through the middle of the ice.

In Bob McKenzie's latest prospect rankings, Smith is ranked third. His comparable to an NHL player is the New York Rangers Mika Zibanejad.

If the San Jose Sharks select Smith at No. 4 and get a player like Zibanejad, that would certainly help the scoring needed to improve the team.

Smith's draft stock has been rising all season, and after the U-18 National Championships, the Boston area native cemented himself as a top-five pick in this year's draft. 

In seven games in the tourney, Smith led all skaters with 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists). 

"He had a great tournament. He's really a talented offensive player. He made a lot of high-end plays over there, and kind of drove the offense. His line, in general, was probably the best line over there. He's had a really good year," Sharks GM Mike Grier said after the Draft Lottery. "This whole season, but the U18s were a good showing for him, along with some of the other players over there. He's a very talented offensive player."

Not to mention there is some familiarity between Grier and Smith.

"Yeah, he's a Boston kid. He was at high school with my oldest son for a year before he left for the program. I know Will fairly well. He's going to [Boston College], which isn't great," Grier said.

Obviously, Grier was joking when discussing Smith's commitment to BC as the San Jose Sharks GM went to Boston University. Due to his familiarity with Smith, I feel like that might give him a little bit of an edge on being drafted by San Jose.

Smith's rise up the ranking is encouraging, but the 6'0 forward will need time to develop, and I think going to BC is the perfect place to start that process. 

My concern is if the Sharks draft Smith is the size of many prospects. William Eklund is only 5'11. Thomas Bordeleau is 5'10. The other thing to mention is that both Bordeleau and Filip Bystedt are natural centers. 

Bordeleau seemed to be switching to the wing at the end of last season but did not look as effective in that position. 

I think if the Sharks want the "safe" pick, then Smith is the way to go. His biggest asset is his ability to drive play and create offense, but by no means is he a game-breaker.

If the San Jose Sharks select Smith, they need him to continue his growth in the goal-scoring department if he can make that the main part of his game, he becomes the best fit for the Sharks' drafting needs.