(Las Vegas) Obviously Will Smith can’t predict the future, but we can assume he wouldn’t hate to wear the Canadiens jersey one day.

Smith, along with three other prospects – including one Connor Bedard – were introduced to the Las Vegas media ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals Monday at T-Mobile Arena between the Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers.

Clearly, the 18-year-old striker has a thing for the Canadiens, and there’s at least one good reason for that, too.

“I’ve met them quite a bit already and people talk to me about them a lot, mostly because of Kent [Hughes], who I knew growing up,” he began by saying.

“He coached our [Boston Junior Eagles] team for two or three years when I was younger, and I’ve known his boys since school as well. So it goes back a few years. »

What if it was her choice?

It’s been a few times, if not many times, that Smith’s name has been associated with the Canadiens, and it will no doubt grow from here to the date of the next draft, from June 28, where the Habs go. show up on the floor with the fifth overall pick in their pocket.

If ever Smith is still available when the management of the Canadian will take the microphone, the choice could be quite simple.

After all, the young man had a dream season with the American development program, and he will no doubt be a member of the American team at the next World Junior Hockey Championships, he who is coming back from a gold medal conquest. with the USA Under-18 team.

And then, fortunately, this passage of Will Smith in Vegas occurred the same day when the Canadian confirmed, without surprise, a new contract of eight years for Cole Caufield.

“I went to the draft last year and I got to see the Bell Center,” he recalled. It’s pretty amazing the atmosphere there with all the fans. And with [Cole] Caufield just signing this huge contract, he’s also coming from the US national program… that’s pretty cool. »

It doesn’t matter which team drafts him at the end of the month, it won’t be for now, since Smith has already confirmed his arrival in NCAA college hockey next season, with the Boston College team.