Tyler Toffoli, a seasoned forward, recently sat down in the visitor’s dressing room at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena to discuss his San Jose Sharks teammate, 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini. With a laugh, Toffoli candidly remarked, “He’s playing really well. He’s just a really shitty guy,” drawing chuckles from those around him, including the smiling Celebrini, who seemed unfazed by the playful jab.
Celebrini, now in his sophomore season with 104 games under his belt, has made an impressive mark in the NHL. Ranked as the third-youngest player in the league, he has amassed 51 points, placing him third overall behind superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid. His performance has been remarkable, highlighted by several games where he scored three or more points. In a recent game against the Calgary Flames, Celebrini recorded two goals and two assists in a decisive 6-3 victory.
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky has noticed Celebrini’s continued progress, stating, “Every time you think he’s going to maybe slow down and maybe hit a speed bump, he doesn’t. He just keeps going.” This resilience has sparked conversations about Celebrini as a potential candidate for the Hart Trophy as well as a spot on Canada’s Olympic team.
Celebrini, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is rapidly transitioning from a “franchise cornerstone” to a potential “megastar.” This season, his play style has drawn comparisons to that of NHL legend Sidney Crosby, with both players sharing traits like elite hockey sense, exceptional skating, and a fierce competitive spirit. Sharks forward Adam Gaudette emphasized this, predicting that as Celebrini matures physically, he will only enhance his already stellar skills.
The development in Celebrini’s game is particularly notable this season. Sharks assistant coach Jeff Ulmer pointed out that Celebrini has become more direct in his shooting. Effective puck placement and the willingness to take shots are key components of his scoring strategy, as demonstrated by his impressive shot speed, placing him in the 93rd percentile in the NHL.
In addition to offensive prowess, Celebrini has proven to be defensively responsible, showcasing good positioning and a relentless work ethic. Teammate Mario Ferraro remarked on his physicality and commitment to both ends of the ice.
Looking toward the future, Celebrini is aiming to secure a place on the Canadian Olympic team while also maintaining his status as a candidate for the Hart Trophy—an honor awarded to the league’s most valuable player. As the Sharks currently sit in a playoff position, his performance could significantly influence the team’s success. Celebrini is well on his way to becoming one of hockey’s global stars, with expectations that he could contend for the Art Ross Trophy in years to come.
In a league where youth is often injected into veteran teams, Celebrini’s combination of skill, ambition, and youthful energy positions him as a focal point for both the Sharks and Canadian hockey’s future. His rapid ascent is not just a story of individual achievement but also one of hope for the San Jose franchise and its fans.