Eight days after he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks have signed 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini to his entry-level contract. Celebrini, who faced the option of returning for a sophomore season at Boston University, has chosen to step up to the NHL.
Known for his scoring prowess and keen hockey sense, Celebrini made a significant impact in his lone season at Boston University. He netted an impressive 32 goals and accumulated 64 points across 38 games, leading his team, the Terriers, in both categories. His efforts propelled the team to the national semifinal game, where they ultimately fell in a closely contested overtime match against Denver. Celebrini's remarkable season earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, distinguishing him as the nation's top men's player.
The Sharks secured Celebrini after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, capitalizing on their position in the league's standings with the worst record. This strategic move aligns with the team's recent efforts to revamp their roster and secure top draft picks. Since Mike Grier took over as General Manager in 2022, the Sharks have actively pursued trades to bolster their draft capital, securing valuable first-round picks over the past and upcoming drafts. Besides Celebrini, recent drafts have seen the Sharks select other promising talents like Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson.
Will Smith, another standout rookie, signed his entry-level contract after an impressive freshman season at Boston College, where he tallied 25 goals and 71 points. These signings signify a promising future for a team that has missed the playoffs for the past five seasons, but is clearly positioning itself for a return to contention.
In addition to their new talents, the Sharks' roster is bolstered by homegrown players such as William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro. These young talents are complemented by the acquisition of seasoned veterans like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg, providing a balanced blend of youth and experience.
Celebrini has a unique history with the Sharks organization. He played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks, following his family's move from North Vancouver, which was prompted by his father, Rick Celebrini, accepting a job with the Golden State Warriors. This connection to the Bay Area has come full circle as Macklin prepares to make his NHL debut with the Sharks.
"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."
The San Jose Sharks are clearly in a phase of rejuvenation, meticulously crafting a roster that has the potential to bring success back to the franchise. With the addition of Celebrini, a player touted for his exceptional on-ice abilities and maturity off the ice, the Sharks' future looks promising. The coming seasons will reveal whether these strategic moves will pay off and return the team to its former glory. For now, the excitement surrounding Celebrini's arrival is palpable, offering hope and a fresh start for the Sharks and their fans.