Eight days after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick, the San Jose Sharks have officially signed 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini to his entry-level contract. The young sensation, known for his scoring prowess and keen hockey sense, faced the choice of returning for a sophomore season at Boston University or making the leap to the NHL. He chose the latter.
A Promising Future
Celebrini made an indelible mark during his lone season at Boston University, scoring 32 goals and tallying 64 points across 38 games. His efforts led the Terriers in both goals and points, and they advanced to the national semifinal game, where they ultimately fell in overtime to Denver. This stellar performance earned him the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the nation's top men's player.
"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.
Building Through the Draft
The Sharks secured Celebrini after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, an opportunity they earned off the back of the league's worst record. The team has missed the playoffs for the last five seasons, prompting a strategic revamp. Mike Grier, who was hired as GM in 2022, has made it clear that building a robust, young core through the draft is a key focus.
The Sharks have actively pursued trades to enhance their 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 selections include Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson. Notably, Will Smith signed an entry-level contract after his freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded 25 goals and 71 points.
Integrating Talent
While the Sharks are concentrating on youthful talent, they also boast a roster comprising homegrown players like William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro. To balance the squad, the team has also supplemented its ranks with seasoned players like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg.
A Local Connection
Macklin Celebrini's connection to San Jose extends beyond the professional arena. After his family moved from North Vancouver, he played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks. His father, Rick Celebrini, took a job with the Golden State Warriors, further rooting the family in the Bay Area.
As the Sharks continue their rebuild, adding a talent like Celebrini marks a significant milestone. His addition is not just about filling a roster spot; it's about injecting a rare blend of skill, hockey sense, and maturity into a team eager to return to competitive prominence.
With Michael Grier at the helm and a clear vision of developing through the draft, the Sharks are positioned to eventually emerge from their slump. The journey back to playoff contention is undoubtedly challenging, but securing talents like Macklin Celebrini provides a beacon of hope for the future.