Eight days after being chosen as the No. 1 overall pick, 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini has officially signed his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks. The young center opted to jump straight into the NHL, forgoing a sophomore season at Boston University.
Celebrini has already made a significant impact in the hockey world. With his scoring prowess and keen hockey sense, he scored 32 goals and tallied 64 points in just 38 games during his lone season at Boston University. His impressive performances led the Terriers in both goals and points, propelling the team to the national semifinal game, where they ultimately lost to Denver in overtime.
The acknowledgment of Celebrini's remarkable season came with the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the nation's top men's player. Now, the Sharks are eager to see what this young talent can achieve at the professional level.
Sharks' Draft Lottery Success
The Sharks secured Celebrini after prevailing in the NHL Draft Lottery, following a challenging season with the league's worst record. This marked the fifth consecutive year that the Sharks missed the playoffs. However, the organization has been proactive under the leadership of General Manager Mike Grier, hired in 2022, focusing on building a strong foundation for the future.
"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," stated Sharks GM Mike Grier.
Building Through the Draft
The Sharks have been making strategic moves to enhance their draft capital, acquiring multiple first-round picks in recent drafts. Alongside Celebrini, the franchise has selected players like Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson. Will Smith, who recorded 25 goals and 71 points in his freshman season at Boston College, was signed to an entry-level contract in a move mirroring Celebrini's pathway from college hockey to the NHL.
These young talents join a roster that boasts a mix of homegrown players such as William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro, as well as experienced players like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg. This blend of youth and experience aims to position the Sharks for a resurgence in the coming seasons.
A Family Connection to the Bay Area
Celebrini's journey to the Sharks includes a personal connection to the Bay Area. His family moved from North Vancouver when his father, Rick Celebrini, accepted a position with the Golden State Warriors. During their time in the Bay Area, Macklin played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks, which provided an early bonding experience with the local hockey community.
Now, as he officially joins the Sharks organization, the young center carries the promise of a bright future ahead. The Sharks' front office sees Celebrini as a cornerstone player who can contribute significantly both on and off the ice.
With the combination of Celebrini's talent and the team's strategic draft moves, the Sharks are building a promising foundation. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this young star develops in the NHL, as he aims to bring a new era of success to San Jose.