Macklin Celebrini Joins San Jose Sharks with High Expectations
Eight days after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick, the San Jose Sharks have officially inked 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini to his entry-level contract. The young phenom, celebrated for his scoring prowess and sharp hockey sense, opted to make the leap to the NHL rather than returning for a sophomore season at Boston University.
A Stellar College Career
Celebrini's decision comes on the heels of an impressive freshman year at Boston University, where he netted 32 goals and racked up 64 points over 38 games. This outstanding performance not only led the Terriers in both goals and points but also propelled the team to the national semifinal game. Though they ultimately fell in overtime to Denver, Celebrini’s efforts did not go unnoticed. He earned the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the nation's top men's college hockey player.
A Prize from the NHL Draft Lottery
The San Jose Sharks secured Celebrini after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, a silver lining to a challenging season that saw them finish with the league's worst record. With Celebrini's signing, the Sharks are looking to rejuvenate a franchise that has missed the playoffs for the past five seasons.
General Manager Mike Grier, who was hired in 2022, expressed his excitement about bringing Celebrini on board. "Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident and intelligent young man off it. 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," Grier stated.
Building for the Future
The Sharks have been actively pursuing trades to enhance their draft capital, resulting in a pair of first-round picks in the last two drafts and two more first-round picks in the upcoming draft. This strategy has seen them add other promising talents like Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson to their roster. Smith, another standout, signed his entry-level contract after a stellar freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded 25 goals and 71 points.
In addition to their fresh faces, the Sharks' roster boasts homegrown players such as William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro. The team has also fortified its lineup with experienced players like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg, aiming to strike a balance between youthful potential and seasoned expertise.
Celebrini's journey to the Sharks is intertwined with a local connection; he once played for the San Jose Jr. Sharks following his family's move from North Vancouver. His father, Rick Celebrini, had taken a job with the Golden State Warriors, further tying the family to the Bay Area.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Celebrini's addition, the San Jose Sharks are poised to turn a new leaf. The combination of young talent like Celebrini and Smith, alongside their more experienced roster, sets an optimistic stage for the franchise's future. As the Sharks aim to break their playoff drought, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Macklin Celebrini—both for his immediate impact and his potential to become a cornerstone of the team's resurgence.