![]() TSN: What was it like after the overtime win? After that goal went in it's just relief that it's finally over and we won. What was your best moment at that tournament? TSN: You produced 20 points in seven games at the Under-18 World Championship as Team USA won gold. So, getting to be the first American picked would be pretty cool and obviously a ton of that would go to the U.S. for the past two years has probably been the most special thing that's happened to me in my life so far. TSN: What would it mean to be the first American picked in the draft? Hughes coached Smith with the Boston Junior Eagles minor hockey team & has known the Smith family for years. Kent Hughes’ face just lit up when someone mentioned prospect Will Smith. There's no way you wouldn't be able to think about it." Smith: "I mean, everyone loves talking about it, so I definitely see it. TSN: Do you think about possibly reuniting with him? They're picking at No. Smith: "Ah, I think one little joke came up." TSN: Did your relationship come up in the interview with the Canadiens or did you guys play it straight? Obviously if he would reach out, I would text him back right away." Smith: "It's different now that he's with the Canadiens, so not as much as I used to. TSN: How much did you guys talk this season? Just play your game everything will work out.'" Smith: "I remember him, in the middle of one year, just saying, 'Don't worry about the stats and all that and the outside noise about all that. He's so respected in the hockey world, so getting to have him as a resource was very nice." Growing up, I knew his kids a little bit from going to the same school. He started coaching our team the last two, three years of youth hockey, so it was pretty cool having him around. TSN: Kent Hughes doesn't need a dinner to get to know you. You're able to talk more and you're not as rushed." Those are 15 to 20 minutes, so getting to be with the teams outside the rink in a more relaxed setting is nice. It's definitely more relaxed than being in the room at the rink for the interviews. TSN: What teams did you have dinner with at the combine and what was that like? Was that the idea behind the on-ice answer? TSN: You'll be playing for the Eagles next season at Boston College. I like to have fun and hang out with the guys." So, just that aspect of being a happy kid. I'm good friends with every guy on our team. Smith: "That I was an eagle on the ice and a golden retriever off the ice. There was nothing too bad. 'What animal are you on the ice and off the ice?'" Smith: "The weirder ones that have nothing to do with hockey. TSN: I'm sure you faced a lot of similar questions while meeting with 15 different teams at the combine. Smith gets in alone on the breakaway and makes no mistake! □ #USAvsMUS /2OJd9PUfY8 He's always out there and always has the puck." It's pretty exciting watching Devils games. He's obviously a Development Program guy, so watching him go from here all the way up to now is pretty cool. You need to be a good skater to be able to take it wide and the gym was huge for that." TSN: Where did you improve the most this season? You need to help create space for those guys, and then those guys will help create space for me." My game is always going to create space and help the other guys on my line out. How would you describe the way you think the game? TSN: Linemate Gabe Perreault says you guys think the game the same way. I love to have the puck, and I take pride in having guys want to play with me." ![]() Whenever I'm on the ice I try to make something happen. ![]() 3 on the latest list of prospects compiled by TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie.ĭuring an interview with TSN, Smith reflected on his rise and contemplated the potential for a reunion with former coach and current Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes. The following is an edited transcript of the conversation. ![]() He finished the year with 127 points in 60 games.Īnd I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there, I'll tell you how Smith became No. On the ice, Smith is making a name for himself as a clutch performer. He was the MVP at April's Under-18 World Championship as well as January's BioSteel All-American Game. "My team doesn't say anything about it," he said. "I'm pretty much just known as Smitty." Smith and his teenaged teammates weren't alive when Fresh Prince was on the air, so there's no word play in the dressing room. "My dad goes by Bill and my cousin is named William too, but he goes by Billy. "My dad's name is William and my grandfather is named William, so they kind of had to name me William," he said. Will Smith is really bringing those Draft prospect intangibles □□ /K1YcRycrgAīut the 18-year-old comes by it honestly.
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