Get ready for a thrilling return to the ice—Will Smith is back in the San Jose Sharks' lineup, and the hockey world is buzzing with anticipation. But here's where it gets intriguing: who will he play with? After a lengthy absence due to an upper-body injury since December 13, 2025, Smith is set to make his highly anticipated 2026 debut on Friday against the Detroit Red Wings. This isn't just any comeback; it's the return of a star winger who was second on the team with 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) in just 33 games before his injury. And this is the part most people miss—Smith's chemistry with center Macklin Celebrini, his best friend off the ice, has been nothing short of electric. Will they reunite, or will head coach Ryan Warsofsky shake things up? This decision could be a game-changer.
The Sharks have managed an impressive 8-5-0 record without Smith, but with his firepower back in the mix, they’re poised to become even more formidable. Warsofsky has already confirmed Smith’s return, along with the inclusion of Leddy, while Ryan Reaves, Jeff Skinner, and Vincent Iorio will sit out. The projected lines are as follows: Regenda-Celebrini-Smith, Eklund-Wennberg-Toffoli, Graf-Misa-Chernyshov, and Goodrow-Ostapchuk-Gaudette. On defense, Orlov-Klingberg, Ferraro-Liljegren, and Dickinson-Leddy will hold the fort, with Yaroslav Askarov starting in goal. But here’s the controversial twist: Warsofsky hinted at completely revamped power play units, though he’s keeping those details under wraps. Could this be the secret weapon the Sharks need to dominate?
Meanwhile, Misa is set to play his first back-to-back games, adding another layer of intrigue to the lineup. The Sharks (24-19-3) face a tough challenge against the Red Wings (28-16-4), who are no pushovers. Puck drop is at 4 PM PT at Little Caesars Arena, and you won’t want to miss it—catch the action live on NBC Sports California or tune in on the Sharks Audio Network.
But here’s the question that’s dividing fans: Should Smith reunite with Celebrini to reignite their magic, or is it time to experiment with new line combinations to maximize the team’s potential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is sure to spark some heated discussions!
