PAYDAY: ISharks Ready to Pay Will Smith BIG Money After Breakout Season

Will Smith is about to get PAID. On today’s episode of Locked On Sharks, JD Young breaks down why the San Jose Sharks winger could be in line for a massive long-term extension as he becomes eligible for a new contract on July 1. After a breakout sophomore season alongside Macklin Celebrini, Smith has quickly established himself as a cornerstone piece of the Sharks' rebuild — and the numbers are starting to reflect that. 

JD dives into realistic contract comparables, including Lucas Raymond, Wyatt Johnston, Seth Jarvis, Cole Caufield, Dylan Cozens, and JJ Peterka, to project what Smith’s next deal could look like. With the NHL salary cap expected to skyrocket over the next several years, the conversation shifts from raw dollar amount to percentage of the cap — and why an eight-year deal worth around $10 million annually may actually make sense for both sides. The episode also explores the risks and rewards of bridge deals, waiting another season, and why Mike Grier should prioritize locking up Smith long-term before prices rise even higher.

Will Smith finished the season with 24 goals and 59 points in 69 games despite missing time with an injury, and the chemistry between Smith and Celebrini has Sharks fans dreaming big about the future. Could this be the next elite duo in the NHL? And if so, what’s the true cost of keeping them together through their primes?

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