Will Smith Returns to Sharks Lineup, Brings Goals, Grit, and Perspective
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Will Smith didn’t waste any time making his presence felt. After missing more than a month with a shoulder injury, the San Jose Sharks forward returned to the lineup and immediately picked up where he left off - scoring in back-to-back games and reuniting on a line with longtime friend and fellow standout Macklin Celebrini.
For a Sharks team right in the thick of a playoff race, Smith’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. And for Smith, the road back was as much about recovery as it was about watching, learning, and staying connected to a team that’s grown tighter with every game.
A Shoulder Injury - and a Test of Resilience
Smith confirmed the injury was to his shoulder, the result of an awkward collision with the glass during a scramble for the puck.
“It was just kind of an awkward play,” he said. “My arm was in the glass, I lost the puck and was reaching for it, kind of defenseless - and that’s when you get hurt.”
It’s the kind of play that happens in a split second, and for Smith, there wasn’t much time to process the severity of it in the moment.
“You just try to get through it,” he said. “See the doctors, get the MRI, and make the plan from there.”
The plan worked. Smith took the necessary time to heal, and now he’s back - and clearly energized.
Celebrini Has His Back - Literally
One of the more memorable moments from the night of Smith’s injury didn’t involve a goal or a save, but a show of solidarity. Celebrini, his linemate and close friend, didn’t hesitate to stand up for him after the hit. It’s the kind of moment that speaks volumes in a locker room.
“That was huge,” Smith said. “When someone takes a hit and a teammate steps in - whether it’s a fight or just going over to say something - it shows how tight the group is and how much we care about each other.”
Since then, that clip has made the rounds - and yes, Smith has seen it. A lot.
“It’s all over my TikTok,” he laughed.
Sharks in the Hunt - and Smith’s Timing is Perfect
The Sharks are in the mix. And that’s no small feat, especially after a tough season the year before. Smith knows the stakes are higher now - and he’s embracing it.
“It’s super exciting,” he said. “Coming off last year, to be in the race and playing games that really mean something in the standings - it’s huge.”
He’s not wrong. Every shift matters now, and Smith’s ability to slot back into the lineup and contribute immediately gives San Jose a major boost down the stretch.
Celebrini, Wennberg, and a Team on the Rise
Smith had plenty of praise for his teammates, starting with Celebrini - who’s not only tearing up the NHL scoring charts but was also named to Team Canada’s Olympic roster.
“That’s huge,” Smith said. “To make that team at his age, with all those big names - it’s pretty cool. I’m super excited for him.”
Another big moment for the locker room came when veteran center Alex Wennberg signed his extension.
“That was huge,” Smith said. “We all love having him around. We were just waiting for that to get done.”
Learning from the Sidelines
While he was sidelined, Smith took the opportunity to study the game from a different angle - quite literally.
“I think the game looks a lot easier when you’re up top,” he said. “Just trying to take something from every guy and put some of that into your own game.”
That kind of perspective - paired with his skill and chemistry with Celebrini - makes Smith a key piece of San Jose’s playoff push. And with his shoulder healed and his confidence intact, he’s ready to help lead the charge.
Smith’s return isn’t just about the goals. It’s about timing, toughness, and a young core that’s starting to believe. The Sharks are in the hunt - and Will Smith is right back in the thick of it.