Will Smith was selected by the San Jose Sharks at the 2023 NHL Draft. 

The Blackhawks started things off with Connor Bedard as the first pick, followed by Leo Carlsson joining the Anaheim Ducks.

Will Smith was projected to be the third pick for the Columbus Blue Jackets on FloHockey’s mock draft. 

Wednesday determines the first-round picks and the remaining rounds will continue on June 29 at Bridgeport Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

FloHockey Mock Draft 2.0

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Leading up to tonight's decision, it was a toss-up between Leo Carlsson and Will Smith. Ultimately Smith has more experience in the center position which is a potential area for improvement for the Blue Jackets. He currently plays center in the U.S Nation Under-18 Team and had an impressive season demonstrating a strong drive this season.

Watch San Jose Sharks Announce Will Smith At 4th Overall Pick!

WILL SMITH IS A SHARK 🦈 pic.twitter.com/2yzSPtuywO

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 28, 2023

Will Smith Is An 'Unstoppable Force' For The Sharks

Watch out NHL, the Sharks just struck gold! Will Smith is an absolute game-changer and will bring a whole new level of talent to San Jose. Get ready for an unstoppable force on the ice! 🔥🦈 View my profile please

— Karlene.Mcginnis (@McginnisKarlene) June 28, 2023

Scouting Report: No. 4 San Jose Sharks Select: Will Smith, C

Will Smith was the No. 5 prospect on FloHockey's 2023 NHL Draft Rankings. He is one of the most dynamic players in this draft class. With high-end hockey sense and vision, eh's an elite playmaker who can drive play. He still needs to strengthen his game off the puck, but when he's on the ice, he has the puck a ton. He had 127 points at the NTDP, which topped Auston Matthews and finished just behind linemate Gabe Perreault for the record in single-season scoring. He also was the MVP of the 2023 U18 World Men's Championship after putting up 20 points. He is headed to Boston College next year.

-Chris Peters

NHL Draft Order

1. Chicago Blackhawks- Connor Bedard
2. Anaheim Ducks - Leo Carlsson 
3. Columbus Blue Jackets - Adam Fantilli
4. San Jose Sharks - Will Smith
5. Montreal Canadiens
6. Arizona Coyotes
7. Philadelphia Flyers
8. Washington Capitals
9. Detroit Red Wings
10. St. Louis Blues
11. Vancouver Canucks
12. Arizona  Coyotes (from Ottowa)
13. Buffalo Sabres
14. Pittsburgh Penguins
15. Nashville Predators
16. Calgary Flames
17. Detroit Red Wings (from New York)
18. Winnipeg Jets
19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay) 
20. Seattle Kraken
21. Minnesota Wild
22. Philadelphia Flyers(from Los Angeles) 
23. NY Rangers
24. Nashville  Predators (from Edmonton)
25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto)
26. San Jose Sharks(From New Jersey)
27. Colorado Avalanche
28. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Boston)
29. St. Louis Blues (From Dallas)
30. Carolina Hurricanes
31. Montreal Canadiens (from Florida) 
32. Vegas Golden Knights

How to Watch the NHL Draft 2023

The NHL draft first round will air on ESPN, ESPN+ and the rest on the NHL Network.

FloHockey’s podcast, Talking Hockey Sense, is providing breakdowns before and during the draft.