Eight days after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick, the San Jose Sharks have officially signed 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini to his entry-level contract, marking the start of a promising journey for the young Canadian prodigy.
Faced with the decision of whether to return for a sophomore season at Boston University or to step up to the NHL, Celebrini opted decisively for the latter. Known for his scoring prowess and exceptional hockey sense, the promising center now prepares to take his talents to the professional stage.
Impressive Collegiate Performance
Celebrini's decision to join the NHL comes after a stellar season at Boston University, where he tallied an impressive 32 goals and 64 points in just 38 games. His outstanding performance not only led the Terriers in both goals and points but also helped propel the team to the national semifinal game. Despite an overtime loss to Denver, Celebrini's efforts didn’t go unnoticed as he was awarded the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the nation's top men's player.
A Franchise's New Hope
The Sharks secured Celebrini after a fortunate turn of events, winning the NHL Draft Lottery, a silver lining following the league's worst record last season. The Sharks, who have missed the playoffs for the last five seasons, are now looking to rebuild their fortunes with young talent.
"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," said Sharks general manager Mike Grier.
Strategic Draft Moves
Since Grier's appointment as GM in 2022, the Sharks have been active in the trade market to enhance their draft capital. These moves have paid off, resulting in a pair of first-round picks in each of the last two drafts and an additional two picks in the upcoming one. The Sharks' recent drafts have brought in talents like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson.
Celebrini’s signing follows a similar path taken by Will Smith, who himself was signed to an entry-level contract after an impressive freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded 25 goals and 71 points.
Building the Roster
The Sharks' roster reflects a blend of homegrown talents and experienced players. Among the promising prospects are William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro. The team has also fortified its lineup with seasoned players such as Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg.
A Return to Roots
Celebrini’s connection to the San Jose area adds an interesting dimension to his journey. Having played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks, Celebrini's family had relocated from North Vancouver after his father, Rick Celebrini, accepted a position with the Golden State Warriors, tying the family to the Bay Area.
With Celebrini now officially part of the San Jose Sharks, the franchise and its fans are keen to see what the future holds for this promising young player. As the Sharks embark on a new chapter, Celebrini's arrival symbolizes hope and the potential for a return to competitive prominence in the NHL.