Will Smith played 13:27 in the Sharks’ loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, his second lowest of the 2025-26 NHL season.
Notably, Smith was pulled off the 6-on-5 at the end of the game, a customary spot for him, when the Sharks need a goal.
The Sharks ultimately lost 5-3 to the Oilers.
After the game, a frustrated Ryan Warsofsky made these comments, when asked about taking Smith off the 6-on-5 and rotating three wingers, along with Smith, next to center Macklin Celebrini throughout the game.
Warsofsky didn’t say much post-game, but this was a statement: “For four years, we’ve worked on development and getting guys better, kind of handing some things to some players. You got to earn your ice from hereonout.”#SJSharks are 1 point out of the playoffs right now
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 18, 2026
Warsofsky, on moving Misa off of center: “I’m just trying to get someone to play with Mack.”
That was also basically his explanation for rotating 3 wingers, Misa, Graf & Smith with Celebrini from the second period on
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 18, 2026
The Sharks had the day off Wednesday, and today’s a new day, so here’s what Smith and Warsofsky had to say Thursday.
Warsofsky did move Smith off Celebrini’s line, but he’s still in the top-six with Alex Wennberg and Pavol Regenda.
Smith also is still on the top power-play unit.
Smith is pointless in his last four games and has two assists in his last seven.
Will Smith, on Warsofsky’s message to him:
Just as it comes to the end of the season, just make sure I’m competing. Like I’ve said before, there’s a lot of points on the line here, especially for the playoffs coming up. Just gotta be better.
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