SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks signed prized prospect Will Smith to a three-year entry-level contract on Tuesday after one stellar season at Boston College.

The 19-year-old Smith led the nation with 71 points and 46 assists as a freshman and was tied for sixth in the country with 25 goals in 41 games. He had the most points in a season for a BC player since Johnny Gaudreau had 80 in 2013-14.

Smith was picked fourth overall in last year’s draft and felt he is ready to move on from college and attempt to play in the NHL.

“To be honest personally, I think it was time to take that next step,” Smith said. “Obviously it’s the best league in the world. You’re getting the best players every single night, night in and night out. I think that’s something that factored into wanting to make the next step.”

Smith is a key part of San Jose’s youth movement that the Sharks hope will help the team get back into contention after posting the worst record in the NHL the previous five seasons.