BY NATE MOSER
The 2024 NHL Entry Draft is almost here and for San Jose Sharks fans, so is potential number one overall pick Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini has been the prize at the top of this NHL Draft since before the 2023-24 NHL season even began. When the Sharks had specifically horrendous losses, many hockey fans thought they were tanking to have the best chance at the first overall pick. They would indeed finish with the worst record, and after going through the draft lottery process, San Jose is the team that has the chance to make Celebrini a member of their organization. Who is Celebrini though? What do Sharks fans need to know about their probable new player?
Celebrini was born on June 13, 2006 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Growing his game and honestly it seems like foreshadowing, but he suited up for the San Jose Jr. Sharks 14U AAA program during the 2019-20 hockey season. He then attended Shattuck-St. Mary’s, a school that is famous for their hockey program which many NHLers attended at one time like Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, and Jonathan Toews among others. After being there, he went to the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2022-23 season. As a member of the Steel, he produced 46 goals and 40 assists for 86 points in 50 games.
Then, for this past hockey campaign, Celebrini attended Boston University. Like in the case with Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Boston University has their fair share of talented alumni who have been impressive in the NHL. One of the most obvious names is Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel, who was a key part of that franchise winning their first ever Cup championship. Then, there’s Brady Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy, Clayton Keller, and Trevor Zegras among others as well. Celebrini had a great year for B.U., as he chalked up 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 38 games for the team.
One benefit for Celebrini is that he has gone to different programs and done very well in each of them. He did not stay in one league the entire time he was growing his game, and I think that can be a big positive. He has gone up against competition for the Jr. Sharks, Shattuck-St. Mary’s school, the Steel in the USHL, and recently the NCAA. With all of these different league experiences, he is playing against different levels of competition. That not only shows the skill set that Celebrini has, but it also gives him experiences that will help him grow as a talent. He is learning different valuable lessons that will make his game more dangerous as he gets to the NHL and grows his game even more. The Sharks can build their next era around Celebrini. Gone are the days of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, and Brent Burns. These players will always be remembered for their contributions to the club, but now it is time for the next group to try and help San Jose win their first Stanley Cup. Celebrini will be one of those talents to do that. He will not have to carry the load alone though. The Sharks recently signed their 2023 first-round selection (fourth overall) Will Smith to a three-year entry-level contract. In 2023-24, Smith put up 25 goals and 46 assists for 71 points in 41 games. These two players, both currently at significant Boston hockey colleges, will be the faces of the offense for seasons and seasons to come. Along with both of them are other prospects like other 2023 first-round pick Quentin Musty. 2022-first rounder Filip Bystedt recently joined the Sharks system and played in a handful of games for their American Hockey League (AHL) squad, the San Jose Barracuda. Plus, Sharks general manager Mike Grier has other picks to work with to get other talent. The Sharks also hold the 14th overall pick, and the club has two second-round selections as well. Grier can load up well in the first two rounds if he would like, or he could trade a pick or two for either more selections or established players. Either way, it is the beginning of a new chapter for the Sharks. Celebrini will be one of the faces of this franchise for years to come, and the hockey world will see what he can do when the time comes for him to finally suit up for the Teal and White.
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