Smith steals spotlight at draft; hits Seattle GM in outburst
Jul 29, 2023 22:38:04 GMT -5
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Post by NJDevilsGM on Jul 29, 2023 22:38:04 GMT -5
Highly touted prospect Will Smith went completely beserk at the NsHL draft earlier today, daring any GM to call his name before lashing out at the first GM to contemplate doing so.
Seattle GM took the brunt of Smith's mental meltdown, with the 18-year-old striding up on stage while Graber was before the podium to make the Kraken's first pick of the draft at third overall. Smith then slapped Graber across the face, as can be seen in a photo captured by Philadelphia Flyers GM, and resident oompa loompa, Jack Dagnese.
The blow stunned Graber, who needed a moment before proceeding to make the teams' selection, Leo Carlsson.
After the congratulatory handshakes with Carlsson, Graber retreated to his table, but as he walked past Smith, the young prospect clearly wasn't done with Graber, yelling for him "to keep my name out of your f**king mouth."
The New Jersey Devils eventually did select Smith fifth overall, just two picks after Seattle. General Manager Trent Allen did so from the safety of Canada, electing to make the pick from a remote, and undisclosed, area of the heavily wooded northern tundra.
Allen declined to comment on the assault of Graber, only stating that "contract negotiations will be interesting."
It didn't take long for the Devils to market the incident, electing to create merchandise that immortalized the moment, coming out with a line of t-shirts, coffee mugs, shot glasses and fridge magnets which show Smith striking Graber.
"Gotta make a buck wherever you can," commented Allen.
Graber reported relocated to Japan following the draft.
Seattle GM took the brunt of Smith's mental meltdown, with the 18-year-old striding up on stage while Graber was before the podium to make the Kraken's first pick of the draft at third overall. Smith then slapped Graber across the face, as can be seen in a photo captured by Philadelphia Flyers GM, and resident oompa loompa, Jack Dagnese.
The blow stunned Graber, who needed a moment before proceeding to make the teams' selection, Leo Carlsson.
After the congratulatory handshakes with Carlsson, Graber retreated to his table, but as he walked past Smith, the young prospect clearly wasn't done with Graber, yelling for him "to keep my name out of your f**king mouth."
The New Jersey Devils eventually did select Smith fifth overall, just two picks after Seattle. General Manager Trent Allen did so from the safety of Canada, electing to make the pick from a remote, and undisclosed, area of the heavily wooded northern tundra.
Allen declined to comment on the assault of Graber, only stating that "contract negotiations will be interesting."
It didn't take long for the Devils to market the incident, electing to create merchandise that immortalized the moment, coming out with a line of t-shirts, coffee mugs, shot glasses and fridge magnets which show Smith striking Graber.
"Gotta make a buck wherever you can," commented Allen.
Graber reported relocated to Japan following the draft.
