Will Smith told reporters today that he will primarily be a winger for the San Jose Sharks, meaning Michel Misa’s path becomes clearer.
That change was a little surprising given what was said during the Sharks’ exit interviews last April. Smith said today that he will keep some versatility in his game as he worked on face-offs over the summer. He and the coaching staff want him to be ready to move back to the middle at a moment’s notice.
Throughout the off-season, there was discourse about who would be the Sharks’ No. 2 behind Macklin Celebrini: Misa or Smith. Smith’s move to the wing is not only a move to keep Celebrini and Smith’s chemistry together, but also allows the lineup to have more depth.
“Mac and him had some chemistry last year,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said about Smith’s position change. “I thought at the World Championships he was really good. Two of his better games I’ve seen him play towards the end there. [That] doesn’t mean his center career is over. I think you’re still going to see him there, at times.”
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Warsofsky followed up with comments surrounding the 2025 No. 2 pick in the NHL Draft and how Smith’s change directly affects him.
“I thought Misa looked really good. Even coming from the rookie tournament, he doesn’t look overwhelmed in practices,” Warsofsky said. “He looks comfortable with the puck. He’s paying attention in the meetings, and his attention to detail is really good. It’s one day, but I thought he was good.”
“We’ll keep him in the middle. That’s where he’s been most comfortable.”
Misa skated on a line with William Eklund and teammate with the Saginaw Spirit, Igor Chernyshov, on Thursday. The roster for Sunday’s preseason game isn’t yet known, but Misa will play center for any preseason game that he’s in the lineup.
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