Eight days after drafting him as the No. 1 overall pick, the San Jose Sharks made their commitment to Macklin Celebrini official, signing the 18-year-old phenom to an entry-level contract. Celebrini, who faced the decision of returning to Boston University for his sophomore year or stepping straight into the NHL, chose the latter, a testament to his confidence and readiness for the professional stage.
Celebrini arrives in San Jose with a burgeoning reputation, known for his scoring ability and sharp hockey acumen. His freshman year at Boston University was nothing short of spectacular. He netted 32 goals and amassed 64 points in just 38 games, leading the Terriers in both categories. His efforts propelled the team to the national semifinal, where they narrowly lost to Denver in overtime.
Achievements and Accolades
Celebrini’s standout season did not go unnoticed. He earned the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, distinguishing him as the nation’s top player in men's college hockey. This accolade only heightens the anticipation surrounding his transition to the NHL.
For the Sharks, landing Celebrini is a significant milestone. They secured the first overall pick after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, following a season that saw them finish with the league's poorest record. The Sharks have missed the playoffs for five consecutive seasons, a drought they are eager to end. General Manager Mike Grier, who was appointed in 2022, has been instrumental in reshaping the team’s strategy.
Building Through the Draft
Under Grier’s leadership, the Sharks have actively pursued draft capital, culminating in multiple first-round selections over recent years. In addition to Celebrini, the Sharks have drafted talents like Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson. Smith, like Celebrini, was signed to an entry-level contract after his freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded an impressive 25 goals and 71 points.
The Sharks have also focused on developing homegrown talent, with players such as William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro forming the backbone of the team. Experienced acquisitions like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg bolster this young core, aiming to provide the right mix of youth and veteran presence.
A Long-Term Vision
Celebrini's journey to the Sharks has come full circle in a way: he previously played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks following his family’s relocation from North Vancouver. His father, Rick Celebrini, had accepted a role with the Golden State Warriors, anchoring the family in the Bay Area.
Sharks General Manager Mike Grier expressed his excitement about Celebrini’s potential and readiness. "Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident and intelligent young man off it," Grier said. "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."
Looking Forward
With Celebrini’s signing, the Sharks are set to take a significant step forward in their rebuilding process. The organization and its fan base are hopeful that the talents of Celebrini, Smith, and other recent draftees will usher in a new era of success. As the 2024-25 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Sharks to see how these young stars begin to shape the future of the franchise.