Eight days after the San Jose Sharks selected Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick, the organization secured his future by officially signing the 18-year-old to his entry-level contract. This pivotal decision marks the start of what many hope will be a transformative era for the Sharks.
Faced with the choice between returning for a sophomore season at Boston University or advancing to the NHL, Celebrini chose the latter. Celebrini's brief but dominant stint at Boston University showcased his immense potential. In his lone season, he netted 32 goals and amassed 64 points across 38 games, leading the Terriers in both categories. His efforts propelled the team to the national semifinal, though they ultimately fell to Denver in overtime. Celebrini’s exceptional performances were recognized with the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, given to the nation’s top men's player.
Celebrini is widely regarded as a promising center, renowned for his scoring prowess and keen hockey sense—attributes that he will now bring to a Sharks team hungry for success. The Sharks' general manager, Mike Grier, couldn't contain his excitement about Celebrini's addition to the squad. "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 stated.
The Sharks' acquisition of Celebrini follows a fortuitous win in the NHL Draft Lottery, capitalizing on the league’s worst record to secure the top pick. Over recent years, the franchise has been in a rebuilding phase, missing the playoffs for the last five seasons. Grier, brought in as GM in 2022, has been proactive in revamping the team’s future prospects. This strategy included making trades to enhance their draft capital, thus resulting in multiple first-round picks in recent drafts. Alongside Celebrini, the Sharks have selected other promising talents like Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson.
Will Smith, another bright prospect, signed his entry-level contract after a stellar freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded 25 goals and 71 points. The Sharks are also banking on the growth of homegrown players such as William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro. Additionally, the team has bolstered its roster with experienced players like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg. This blend of young talent and seasoned veterans could be the key to breaking their playoff drought.
Macklin Celebrini's ties to San Jose run deeper than hockey. His family relocated from North Vancouver to the Bay Area when his father, Rick Celebrini, accepted a position with the Golden State Warriors. During his initial time in the area, Macklin played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks, giving him a foundational connection to the city he'll now represent at the professional level.
With Celebrini now officially part of the Sharks' future, the franchise and its fans have every reason to look forward to the upcoming seasons with renewed hope and excitement. His combination of talent, intelligence, and a deep-rooted connection to the area sets the stage for what could be an impactful career in the NHL, starting in San Jose.