SAN JOSE — Macklin Celebrini, the 19-year-old center for the Sharks, has made waves in the hockey world as the youngest player among the 42 men invited to Hockey Canada’s National Teams Orientation Camp in Calgary this summer. As the countdown to the reveal of Canada’s Olympic roster approaches, Celebrini’s impressive performance this season has made his inclusion all but certain.
With his staggering tally of 57 points in just 38 games leading into the Sharks’ matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, Celebrini currently ranks third in scoring across the NHL. His contributions have been substantial, as he has either scored or assisted on nearly half of the Sharks’ total goals this season and has played a critical role in keeping the team in playoff contention.
Celebrini’s 55 points before the Christmas break tied him with Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby’s historic record for the most points by a teenager in NHL history before the holiday. As the Canadian management prepares to finalize its 25-man roster for the upcoming February Games in Milano-Cortina, Celebrini’s on-ice prowess certainly stands out.
“He’s an amazing young player,” remarked Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill, who also serves as an assistant GM for Team Canada. “He’s got a great future ahead of him.”
While Celebrini’s scoring ability has garnered attention, it’s his all-around game, characterized by solid backchecking and a high compete level, that has caught the eyes of scouts and coaches alike. Nill emphasized that Celebrini’s skill set goes beyond mere statistics, highlighting the importance of his intangibles in making him a valuable asset to the Canadian team, known for its depth of offensive talent.
Celebrini’s rise to prominence didn’t happen overnight. He was a standout player in the USHL, finishing as the top scorer with 86 points in 50 games during the 2022-23 season. His remarkable development continued at Boston University, where he earned the Hobey Baker Award as the top men’s college hockey player before being selected first overall by the Sharks in June 2024.
While the pressure of potentially representing his country in the Olympics looms, Celebrini remains grounded. He emphasizes a focus on helping his team succeed rather than dwelling on the Olympics. “Throughout this process, I haven’t really thought about it because I can’t control what they’re going to do and the decisions they make,” he stated after a recent victory. “All I can control is the way I kind of approach every day and trying to help my team win night in and night out.”
As he continues to shine in the NHL, Celebrini has not only captured the attention of Canadian hockey officials but has also become a beacon of hope for Sharks fans. His dedication and talent suggest a bright future ahead, both for him personally and for the Canadian team if he is selected to compete for gold in February.