19-year-old Sharks superstar was officially named to Team Canada for the 2026 Olympics. Canada announced its 25-man roster earlier today.
There wasn’t much doubt that Celebrini would miss the cut going into the final selection, given how he has performed this season. His 60 points in 39 games put him 3rd in NHL scoring, and his ability to play a 200-foot game has also found another gear this season. Combine the uptick in his play with the chemistry he formed with superstars Crosby and Mackinnon at the World Championships this past summer, and his age at just 19 years old, which has held star players off Olympic rosters in the past, became a moot point.
Canada General Manager Doug Armstrong said this on Celebrini.
"He fit in very well socially with the top players in the game, and his product on the ice speaks for itself. So he worked his way on. His resume is shorter, but is extremely filled out for his age."
When it comes to how Celebrini fits on Canada’s roster, he will almost certainly be moving to the wing from the middle of the ice, given how stacked Canada is down the middle. Celebrini played with Crosby and MacKinnon at the World Championship this past summer, so they may revisit that line combination here. Another tantalizing option would be putting Celebrini on McDavid’s wing, something that would only be possible in an environment like the Olympics. It's hard to imagine Celebrini being in the bottom six, but given his competitiveness and willingness to defend, he could likely succeed in a non-offensive role as well.
It's been an incredible year for the Sharks and Celebrini, and making Canada at just 19 is no small feat. The Olympics won’t start until February, so there is still time before the tournament, but the Sharks have a special player in Macklin Celebrini.