The Complete Will Smith Hockey Guide: Contract, Draft Profile, and Future
By James H. Sterling
In May 2024, Smith signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Sharks. The base contract carries an AAV cap hit of $950,000, featuring the maximum rookie base salary of $855,000 and a $95,000 signing bonus per season. Performance bonuses (Schedule A and Schedule B) allow Smith to earn up to an additional $3.2 million annually if he hits specific scoring milestones, awards selections, or ice-time thresholds.
Because the Sharks operate with ample salary cap space following the departures of previous veteran cores, swallowing potential rookie bonus carryovers poses minimal risk in the short term. However, the structure of Smith’s subsequent contract presents real strategic challenges. When Smith completes his entry-level term, he will become a restricted free agent (RFA) without arbitration rights. This grants Mike Grier leverage, but the escalating cost of high-end forward production means waiting too long could significantly inflate Smith's cap footprint.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
