San Jose Sharks Secure Top Pick Macklin Celebrini
In a significant move that underscores the franchise’s commitment to rebuilding, the San Jose Sharks have officially signed Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in the recent NHL Draft. The announcement came just eight days after the team selected the 18-year-old center, setting the stage for what many hope will be a transformative era for the Sharks.
Celebrini, a rising star with a reputation for his scoring ability and astute hockey sense, faced a pivotal decision: return for his sophomore season at Boston University or leap directly into the NHL. Opting for the latter, Celebrini has embraced the challenge and opportunity presented by the Sharks.
His lone collegiate season was nothing short of spectacular. Celebrini led Boston University with 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games, an effort that not only highlighted his individual talent but also propelled the Terriers to the national semifinal game. Although the team ultimately fell in overtime to Denver, Celebrini’s outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the top men's player in college hockey.
Celebrini’s arrival in San Jose comes after the Sharks secured the first pick by winning the NHL Draft Lottery, a small silver lining following a campaign that saw the team finish with the league’s worst record. The organization has missed the playoffs for the past five seasons, prompting significant changes in strategy and personnel. One of these strategic moves was the hiring of Mike Grier as general manager in 2022.
Grier has been instrumental in reshaping the team's future, actively pursuing trades to boost draft capital. This approach has resulted in the Sharks possessing a pair of first-round picks in each of the last two drafts and another two in the upcoming draft. Celebrini’s signing is part of this broader strategy to infuse young talent into the roster.
“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 said in a statement.
In addition to Celebrini, the Sharks have recently added other top prospects such as Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson. Smith, another promising player, was signed to an entry-level contract following an impressive freshman season at Boston College where he scored 25 goals and amassed 71 points.
The influx of young talent is complemented by a core of homegrown players including William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro, as well as seasoned veterans like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg, who have been brought in to provide experience and stability.
Celebrini's connection to San Jose predates his draft selection. After his family relocated from North Vancouver to the Bay Area, Celebrini played a season with the San Jose Jr. Sharks. This move was influenced by his father, Rick Celebrini, who had accepted a position with the Golden State Warriors. This existing relationship with the region may help ease Celebrini’s transition to the professional ranks.
As the Sharks continue their journey toward rebuilding and future success, the addition of Macklin Celebrini represents a significant milestone. His exceptional skills and proven track record at the collegiate level bring a renewed sense of hope and excitement to the franchise and its fans. All eyes will be on the young center as he makes his NHL debut, with expectations high for what he can achieve in the coming seasons.