Editor’s note: Sheng Peng regularly contributes to NBC Sports California’s coverage of the Sharks. For more of his work, visit San Jose Hockey Now, listen to the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
CHICAGO — “Take a deep breath.”
This is Ryan Warsofsky’s advice to Will Smith.
The new head coach for San Jose might also be addressing Sharks fans who are worried about the slow start of this top prospect.
After being picked fourth overall in the 2023 draft, Smith has yet to score a point in the first three games of the season. His ice time has also decreased—from 13:41 during his NHL debut to 13:05, and even further down to 10:10 against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night.
“Yeah, he’s frustrated,” acknowledged Warsofsky in an interview with San Jose Hockey Now following Wednesday’s practice.
During practice, Smith was centering Luke Kunin and Barclay Goodrow, shifting from his previous positioning between Fabian Zetterlund and Klim Kostin in the last two games.
“I mean, obviously, not the start I wanted,” Smith confessed. “But I’m playing [in] the NHL as a 19-year-old, so I can’t ask for much more.”
#TheFutureIsTeal lines today, sans Eklund, interesting switch of Wennberg/Smith:
Gushchin-Granlund-Toffoli
Kostin-Wennberg-Zetterlund
Goodrow-W. Smith-Kunin
Grundstrom-Sturm-DellandreaWalman-Ceci
Ferraro-Rutta
Thrun-Benning— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 16, 2024
However, the highly competitive Smith maintains high expectations of himself.
“I just got to be better all-around and be trusted,” he stated.
“I think he’s overthinking his game at times, and he’s just got to go out and play,” Warsofsky reflected. “He’s obviously super-skilled. He needs to do a little more without the puck to set himself up for offense, which we discussed this morning. He’s moving in the right direction. This league is tough, and he’s learning that.”
Teaming up with defensively-minded players like Kunin and Goodrow might help Smith concentrate more on his offensive game.
“This is a developmental phase for him,” Warsofsky mentioned. “The travel, getting back, boarding the bus this morning, preparing for practice—this is all beneficial for him, and he recognizes it.”
“It’s adversity, but we have a game tomorrow, so it’s not like college where you have to wait a week,” he added.
“So I’ll get back out there and seize another opportunity to showcase my skills,” said the college star.
“It’s a learning curve, right?” Warsofsky remarked. “He understood that this was going to be a challenge, and we all recognized that.”
An essential aspect of the learning process is to avoid getting ahead of oneself.
Warsofsky advised, somewhat paradoxically, “[Don’t] aim to have a fantastic game. It’s incredibly hard for anyone to declare, ‘I’m going to have a great game.’ It’s nearly impossible.”
Instead, focus on breaking it down: “Let’s aim for one solid shift. If something doesn’t go as planned, have the mental resilience to reset and pursue a positive shift.”
This support doesn’t only come from Warsofsky. The entire Sharks organization has rallied behind Smith, including veterans like Matt Benning, who encouraged the young player with a pat on the helmet after a missed shootout attempt on Tuesday.
<p“They’ve been wonderful, taking me out for dinners and such,” Smith shared. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of older teammates; their support has been invaluable throughout this journey.”
Smith also mentioned that he has had “a little bit” of conversation with fellow top prospect Macklin Celebrini, who is recovering from a hip injury in San Jose, regarding the challenges he’s facing.
Much like Celebrini, the first overall pick for 2024, Smith had a busy summer.
“So much has been thrown at him—from development camp to summer training, the rookie tournament, all while under the media spotlight and the distractions outside of hockey. He needs to catch his breath a bit,” Warsofsky explained.
On a positive note, Warsofsky found encouragement in Smith’s performance during practice on Wednesday.
“He had an exceptional practice today; it was the best we’ve seen from him since he joined us,” the Sharks’ coach noted. “His pace was impressive. He appeared more engaged and ready. He was executing well and taking shots, really allowing his offensive skills to shine.”
For the time being, Smith will continue at center. He has struggled at the faceoff circle, winning only 19.2 percent of his draws, necessitating some defensive support. Once again, center-wingers like Kunin and Goodrow can provide assistance.
Should the situation not improve, a shift from center to wing might be a reasonable consideration for Smith.
“I’m open to whatever the coaches want me to do,” Smith stated, acknowledging that he hasn’t played much as a winger in his career. “I can adapt quickly. It’s part of being a forward; I need to be capable of playing both positions.”
“We’re not at that point yet. We will keep developing him as a center,” Warsofsky confirmed. “I believe his future lies there, so we must keep refining that skill.”
Ultimately, Warsofsky is optimistic that Smith will come out stronger from these experiences.
“Life will present challenges, and things won’t always go your way,” Warsofsky said. “We’re not in a state of panic, and neither is he.”
“We’re just three games in,” Smith said. “There will be highs and lows. This is the best league in the world.”
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# Navigating Early Struggles: Sharks’ Will Smith Embraces Learning Curve Amidst Slow Start
## Understanding Will Smith’s Journey
Will Smith, a promising talent for the San Jose Sharks, has made headlines recently due to his slow start in the NHL. While the spotlight often shines on a player’s statistics, it is essential to understand the various factors contributing to their performance, particularly during their rookie season. Smith’s journey is not only about the wins and losses but also about embracing the learning curve that comes with professional hockey.
### The Rookie Experience
Transitioning from junior leagues to the NHL is a monumental shift for any player. Smith, who was a standout in the NCAA, faced unexpected challenges as he adjusted to the faster pace and more intense competition of the NHL.
#### Key Challenges Faced by Smith
– **Increased Competition**: The level of skill and physicality in the NHL is vastly superior to college hockey.
– **Pressure to Perform**: As a first-round draft pick, expectations were high, adding pressure to deliver from day one.
– **Adaptability**: Learning new systems, line combinations, and strategies can be overwhelming for rookies.
## Embracing the Learning Curve
Despite his early struggles, Will Smith is taking a proactive approach to his development. Recognizing that every player has a unique trajectory, Smith focuses on the positives and learning experiences.
### Practical Tips for Embracing a Learning Curve
1. **Set Realistic Goals**: Instead of overwhelming oneself with expectations, players should set attainable short-term goals.
2. **Seek Feedback**: Regularly communicate with coaches and veterans to gain insights on areas for improvement.
3. **Emphasize Skill Development**: Spend extra time in practice honing specific skills that may be lacking.
4. **Stay Mentally Resilient**: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial.
### Will Smith’s Personal Strategies
– **Video Analysis**: Smith dedicates time to review game footage, studying his performance to identify necessary adjustments.
– **Mentorship**: He has reached out to seasoned teammates for advice, emphasizing the importance of learning from their experiences.
– **Mindfulness Practices**: Engaging in mental wellness techniques helps Smith stay focused and calm under pressure.
## Statistics and Performance Metrics
While statistics alone do not tell the full story, they are essential to understanding a player’s performance. Below is a summary of Will Smith’s early-season statistics compared to other rookies in the league.
| Player | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points</th | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Smith | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 |
| Rookie A | 10 | 5 | 4 | 9 | +1 |
| Rookie B | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
### Analyzing the Data
While Smith’s numbers may not be impressive at first glance, it’s crucial to consider the context. Many rookies experience a slow start for various reasons, including the adjustment to professional play. Smith’s willingness to work hard and learn from each game will likely pay off as the season progresses.
## Case Studies: Successful Rookies
To better understand the potential for growth, let’s take a look at a few successful rookies who faced early struggles but later thrived in the NHL.
### 1. Connor McDavid
– **Rookie Season Struggles**: Initially struggled to find his scoring touch.
– **Adaptation**: Focused on building chemistry with teammates and refining his skills.
– **Outcome**: Went on to become one of the league’s star players.
### 2. Auston Matthews
– **Rookie Season Struggles**: Faced injuries and inconsistency early in his career.
– **Adaptation**: Worked on his conditioning and sought mentorship from experienced players.
- **Outcome**: Emerged as a top goal scorer and a franchise player.
### 3. Jack Hughes
– **Rookie Season Struggles**: Experienced the challenges of a tough competition and adjusting to the NHL style.
– **Adaptation**: Dedicated time to improving his shot and physical play.
– **Outcome**: Became a key player for the New Jersey Devils.
These examples highlight that early struggles are often a part of the journey to becoming a successful NHL player. The key takeaway for Smith is perseverance and continuous learning.
## The Importance of Mental Resilience
Mental toughness plays a significant role in a player’s success, especially during challenging times. For Will Smith, developing mental resilience can help him navigate the pressures and expectations of being an NHL player.
### Building Mental Resilience
– **Accept Challenges**: Embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth.
– **Stay Positive**: Focus on what can be controlled and maintain a positive outlook.
– **Surround Yourself with Support**: Build a network of supportive teammates, coaches, and family.
## Community Support and Fan Engagement
Another essential aspect of Smith’s development is the support from the Sharks’ fan base. Engaging with fans can provide a sense of community and motivate players during challenging times.
### Ways Fans Can Support Players
– **Attend Games**: Show up and cheer for the team, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
– **Social Media Engagement**: Fans can follow and interact with players on social media platforms, showing their support and encouragement.
– **Participate in Events**: Engaging in community events and charity functions can foster a connection between players and fans.
## Conclusion
The journey for any rookie in the NHL is filled with challenges and learning opportunities. Will Smith exemplifies the determination and commitment needed to succeed despite a slow start. By embracing the learning curve, developing mental resilience, and relying on a strong support system, Smith is poised to navigate these early struggles and grow into a formidable player for the San Jose Sharks.
As fans and observers, understanding the intricacies of a rookie’s development can enhance our appreciation for the sport and the athletes who dedicate their lives to it.
