Eight days after the San Jose Sharks chose him with the No. 1 overall pick, 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini has inked his entry-level contract, stepping directly into the NHL. The young center had a choice: return for a sophomore season at Boston University or take the leap to the NHL. He chose the latter, a testament to his readiness and confidence in his abilities.
Celebrini is not just another young talent; he’s a phenomenon known for his scoring prowess and exceptional hockey sense. His single season at Boston University was nothing short of extraordinary. Scoring 32 goals and tallying 64 points across 38 games, Celebrini led the Terriers in both goals and points. His contributions were pivotal in driving the team to the national semifinal, where they ultimately fell in a dramatic overtime finish against Denver.
A Decorated Collegiate Star
For his outstanding efforts, Celebrini received the Hobey Baker Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation's top men's college hockey player. This accolade not only marks his dominance at the collegiate level but also his preparedness for the professional stage.
The San Jose Sharks secured Celebrini’s talents after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, a welcome turn of fortune following a season marked by the league’s worst record. The Sharks' recent history has been less than stellar, having missed the playoffs for the last five seasons. Yet, with the hiring of Mike Grier as GM in 2022, the franchise is actively working to reverse its fortunes.
Building for the Future
Grier’s strategic maneuvers have been focused on enhancing the Sharks' draft capital. His efforts yielded a pair of first-round picks in the last two drafts and have secured two more in the upcoming draft. This aggressive draft strategy has brought in promising young players like Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson in addition to Celebrini.
"Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident, and intelligent young man off it," praised Grier. "His combination of skills and hockey sense is rare, and we are extremely confident that he is ready to make this transition to being a full-time NHL player. We could not be more excited to have Macklin locked in formally to join the Sharks organization for the 2024-25 season."
An Impressive Collection of Talent
The Sharks' front office has not just focused on young talents from the draft. They've also ensured the roster is rounded out with experienced players like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg. Their blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars like William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro aims to provide a balanced and competitive team dynamic.
Celebrini’s path to signing with the Sharks has a local twist. Following a family move from North Vancouver, Celebrini played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks. His father, Rick Celebrini, took a job with the Golden State Warriors, tying the family to the Bay Area and bringing Macklin closer to the franchise he now officially joins.
A Promising Start
Adding Celebrini to the roster puts the Sharks in an exciting position. His decision to jump directly into the NHL showcases a maturity and readiness that Sharks fans will eagerly anticipate seeing on the ice. As the Sharks aim to break their playoff drought, Celebrini’s arrival could signal the beginning of a new era for the franchise.