Eight days after selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick, the San Jose Sharks officially inked 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini to his entry-level contract on Saturday, solidifying the foundation of their anticipated rebuild. Celebrini, who had faced the choice of returning for a sophomore season at Boston University or stepping up to the NHL, chose the latter, embracing the opportunity to immediately assert himself in the big league.
An Early Start in the NHL
Joining the NHL is a significant step for Celebrini, a promising center known for his scoring prowess and keen hockey sense. The decision allows him to establish himself as a top-line center for the Sharks and emerge as the face of a rebuilding franchise. As Sharks general manager Mike Grier noted, "Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident and intelligent young man off it. 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."
Achievements at Boston University
In his lone season at Boston University, Celebrini showcased his potential by scoring 32 goals and tallying 64 points across 38 games. His efforts led the Terriers in both goals and points, culminating in a commendable 28-10-2 record for the season. The team advanced to the national semifinal game, where they ultimately fell in overtime to Denver. Celebrini's outstanding performance earned him the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the nation's top men's player.
A Promising Future for the Sharks
The Sharks, who secured Celebrini after winning the NHL Draft Lottery on the back of the league's worst record, are banking on his talents to spearhead their resurgence. The team has struggled in recent years, missing the playoffs for the last five seasons. However, moves have been made to turn their fortunes around. Mike Grier, hired as GM in 2022, has actively pursued trades to enhance the club’s draft capital, resulting in a pair of first-round picks in the last two drafts and two more first-round picks in the upcoming draft.
Recent drafts have seen the Sharks select not only Macklin Celebrini but also other promising talents such as Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson. Will Smith, another standout from the collegiate circuit, was signed to an entry-level contract after his freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded an impressive 25 goals and 71 points.
Building a Competitive Team
Complementing these young talents is a mix of homegrown players and seasoned veterans. William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro represent the homegrown contingent, while the team has bolstered its roster with experienced players like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg. This blend of budding superstar potential and veteran presence paints a hopeful picture for the Sharks' future.
Personal Ties to San Jose
Celebrini's signing also marks a personal return to San Jose, where he played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks following his family's move from North Vancouver. Rick Celebrini, Macklin's father, had taken a job with the Golden State Warriors, tying the family to the Bay Area.
As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Macklin Celebrini as he transitions from college hockey phenom to NHL mainstay. His journey with the San Jose Sharks promises to be an exciting chapter in the storied franchise's history, offering fans a beacon of hope for a brighter future.