Macklin Celebrini is drawing attention not just for his impressive performance on the ice, but also for his humility in discussing his accomplishments. The 19-year-old forward for the San Jose Sharks has made headlines this season, achieving milestones typically reserved for some of the greatest players in hockey history. Recently, Celebrini netted his third career hat trick, which included a decisive overtime goal, leading the Sharks to a 3-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth.
With this latest accomplishment, Celebrini has reached an astonishing 30 points in just the first 20 games of the season. This achievement aligns him with hockey legends Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, and Mario Lemieux, all of whom exhibited similar proficiency at a young age. Despite these remarkable statistics, Celebrini remains focused on team success and downplays comparisons to iconic players. “It’s cool, but that’s the first time I’m hearing about it,” he said when informed of his historical ranking. “That’s not what’s important.”
Celebrini’s impact on the Sharks is evident, especially following a challenging period for the franchise. Having been the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, he quickly established himself as a key player. Last season, he scored 25 goals and provided 38 assists, and this season he’s already notched 13 goals and 17 assists. His teammate, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, has recognized Celebrini’s talent and attitude, stating, “Special. He’s special… He’s always looking to get better every day.”
The budding star has sparked hope for the Sharks, who previously had the worst NHL record for two consecutive seasons and last made the playoffs in 2019. He, along with Will Smith—the 2023 fourth overall pick—represents a young core that is poised to revitalizing the franchise. Smith’s contribution to the team has been equally significant, as evidenced by his recent assist on Celebrini’s opening goal in the game against Utah.
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky has praised Celebrini’s innate “hockey sense,” which he believes distinguishes him from other young players. This unique ability contributes to Celebrini’s rapid emergence as a leader on the team, earning him the role of alternate captain this season, with expectations of him eventually wearing the captaincy.
The Sharks’ recent performance indicates a positive trajectory, highlighted by their ability to bounce back with nine wins from their last 14 games after a rough start. Their resilience was showcased in the game against Utah, where they overcame a two-goal lead loss in the third period to secure victory in overtime. Celebrini reflected on the team’s growth, noting that they were able to secure wins this season in scenarios they may have faltered in the previous year.
As the Sharks continue to rebuild and improve, Celebrini stands at the forefront of this transformation, embodying the promise of a brighter future for the franchise.