Eight days after being chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft, Macklin Celebrini has officially embarked on his professional hockey journey, signing an entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks. At just 18 years of age, the highly touted center opted to skip a sophomore season at Boston University in favor of making the leap to the NHL.
Celebrini’s decision comes after a standout freshman season where he led Boston University with 32 goals and 64 points across 38 games. His impressive performance not only spurred the Terriers into a national semifinal but also earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the top men's player in collegiate hockey.
The San Jose Sharks, who secured Celebrini after winning the NHL Draft Lottery following their league-worst record, are eager to integrate this promising talent into their roster. "Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident and intelligent young man off it," said Sharks general manager Mike 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."
Prior to his collegiate success, Celebrini had a brief but impactful stint with the San Jose Jr. Sharks, following his family's move from North Vancouver due to his father Rick Celebrini’s role with the Golden State Warriors. This early connection to the Bay Area makes San Jose a fitting landing spot for the young star.
A Turnaround in the Making
The Sharks, who have missed the playoffs for the past five seasons, are in the midst of a rebuilding phase under GM Mike Grier, who took the helm in 2022. The team has been actively pursuing trades to bolster their draft capital, resulting in multiple first-round selections in recent drafts. This strategy has brought in talents like Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson, alongside Celebrini.
Will Smith, another standout from the collegiate ranks, was signed to an entry-level contract after an impressive freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded 25 goals and 71 points. Together, Smith and Celebrini represent a promising future for the Sharks.
Building a Balanced Roster
The Sharks are complementing their influx of youthful talent with experienced players. Their roster boasts homegrown talents like William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro, while seasoned pros such as Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg add depth and experience.
The challenge ahead for the Sharks will be to blend this mix of youth and experience into a cohesive unit capable of breaking the playoff drought. Celebrini’s scoring prowess and hockey IQ undoubtedly make him a key piece in this rebuilding puzzle.
San Jose’s strategy emphasizes long-term success over short-term gains, aiming to develop a core that can bring sustained competitive performance. The addition of Celebrini, given his accolades and potential, is seen as a significant step towards this goal.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Macklin Celebrini to see how he adapts to the demands of the NHL and how quickly he can make an impact. His journey from collegiate star to professional is just beginning, and the Sharks organization, along with its fans, are certainly excited about what the future holds.