EXPLOSIVE: Can Will Smith ELEVATE the Sharks’ Top Line and Crush Expectations in 2026-27?

San Jose Sharks gear up for a breakout season as Will Smith emerges as an elite offensive force. Can he fine-tune his defensive game and become a true two-way weapon alongside Macklin Celebrini? Smith’s 24-goal, 59-point campaign in just 69 games marked a massive leap—raising expectations for a 30 to 35 goal season, especially with a retooled power play and improved chemistry on the top line. JD Young breaks down Smith’s evolving role on the wing, his impressive primary assist rates, and the ongoing search for a stable third linemate. Analysis covers the Sharks’ roster rotation, the future impact of Michael Misa, and how Smith’s offseason training might unlock another level. Key questions include Smith’s consistency, late-game reliability, and potential to close the gap between Celebrini and the rest of the offense. Will Smith become the consistent difference-maker San Jose needs to make a playoff push? Timestamps: 00:00 Will Smith's NHL season review 04:10 Player performance and teamwork analysis 10:05 Did Will Smith meet expectations? 11:28 Will Smith's impressive early career 16:04 Will Smith's impact and growth 19:25 Can Will Smith be a more consistent player? 24:33 Discussing Will Smith's Future Potential Join the Locked on Sharks All-Access Everyday Club for special content for the most die-hard San Jose Sharks fans: https://lockedonsharks.supercast.com/ Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts... Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everyday... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #NHL #Sharks #SanJoseSharks