The San Jose Sharks have emerged as one of the more unexpected names in the Artemi Panarin trade conversation - and that’s saying something considering where this team was projected to be just a few months ago.
Let’s be honest: not many had the Sharks pegged as playoff contenders heading into the season. But here they are, firmly in the mix and making moves that suggest they’re not just content with being a feel-good story - they’re looking to accelerate the rebuild.
Enter the idea of landing a proven offensive weapon like Panarin. On paper, it makes a lot of sense.
He’s a high-end scorer with postseason experience, and adding him to a young, hungry group could give San Jose a real shot at making noise down the stretch.
But here’s where things get interesting.
While the Sharks are clearly open to adding talent, they’ve drawn a firm line in the sand when it comes to what they’re willing to give up. According to reports, not only is Macklin Celebrini untouchable - which is no surprise - but Will Smith is also off-limits in trade talks.
And honestly, that’s the right call.
Smith, still just 20 years old, was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft out of Boston College. He’s already logged 115 NHL games and is showing the kind of growth you want to see from a young center with top-line potential.
Last season, he put up 18 goals and 27 assists over 74 games - solid numbers for a rookie campaign. But it’s what he’s doing this year that really jumps off the page: 17 goals and 22 assists in just 41 games.
That’s a major step forward, and it’s happening fast.
Outside of his faceoff numbers, Smith has made gains across the board. He’s playing with more confidence, more pace, and more poise.
And in a season where Celebrini has been nothing short of electric, Smith has quietly become the second pillar of San Jose’s future. He’s not just riding shotgun - he’s carving out his own path.
That’s why holding onto him makes so much sense. Sure, Panarin brings immediate firepower, but he’s also 34 and not part of the long-term core. Smith, on the other hand, is on the rise, and his trajectory suggests he could be a foundational piece for years to come.
In a league that constantly tempts teams to mortgage the future for the now, the Sharks are walking a fine line - and doing it well. They’re staying competitive without sacrificing the kind of young talent that could define their next era. Keeping Smith isn’t just smart - it’s essential.