Eight days after selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick, the San Jose Sharks have officially inked 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini to his entry-level contract. The promising young center chose to forgo returning for a sophomore season at Boston University, opting instead to step up to the NHL.
Macklin Celebrini has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in hockey, thanks to his exceptional scoring prowess and keen hockey sense. In his lone season at Boston University, Celebrini not only led the Terriers in both goals and points but also made a substantial impact on the national stage. Over the course of 38 games, Celebrini scored 32 goals and tallied 64 points, performances that earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the nation's top men's player.
Celebrini played a pivotal role in guiding Boston University to the national semifinal game, where the Terriers ultimately fell in overtime to Denver. Such a stellar freshman season left NHL scouts well aware of his immense potential, leading to his selection by the Sharks.
Sharks’ Strategic Moves
Mike Grier, hired as General Manager in 2022, has been methodical in his approach to rebuilding the franchise. The Sharks were able to secure Celebrini after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, a stroke of good fortune resulting from having the league's worst record. This signing is seen as a critical step in turning around the fortunes of a team that has missed the playoffs for the past five seasons.
Under Grier’s direction, the Sharks have actively pursued trades to enhance their draft capital. These efforts resulted in acquiring a pair of first-round picks in the last two drafts and two more in the upcoming draft. This focus on building a robust pipeline of young talent is evident from their recent selections, which include not only Celebrini but also players like Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson.
Building the Future
The Sharks' roster already boasts a mix of homegrown talent and seasoned veterans. Players such as William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro have developed within the organization, representing the youthful core of the team. To complement this, the Sharks have brought in experienced players like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg to provide leadership and stability.
Macklin Celebrini's journey to the Sharks is also a homecoming of sorts. He spent a season playing for the San Jose Jr. Sharks after his family moved from North Vancouver. This move was prompted by his father, Rick Celebrini, who took a job with the Golden State Warriors, tying the family to the Bay Area.
General Manager Mike Grier expressed his excitement about having Celebrini on board: "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," Grier remarked.
The Road Ahead
Will Smith, another standout prospect, provides a glimpse of what the Sharks hope to achieve by nurturing young talent. Signed to an entry-level contract after an impressive freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded 25 goals and 71 points, Smith is indicative of the high aspirations the franchise holds for its youngest players.
The acquisition and integration of top-tier young talent like Celebrini and Smith are seen as pivotal to the Sharks' strategy. With foundational pieces now in place, the team is poised to build a competitive roster capable of reversing its fortunes and ending its playoff drought.
For the Sharks, the signing of Macklin Celebrini represents more than just a high-profile addition; it is a clear statement of intent. The organization is committed to building a robust, dynamic team that can perform at the highest level and bring sustained success back to San Jose. As the 2024-25 season approaches, all eyes will be on Celebrini and his fellow young prospects as they look to make their mark at the highest level of the sport.