Macklin Celebrini is a generational talent, and at only 20-years-old he has completely captivated the NHL. However he didn’t just come from nowhere and appear in the NHL one day. While he absolutely has an abundance of natural talent, a theme has followed Celebrini throughout his entire career and led him to where he is today: signing a five-year contract extension that, once in effect in the 2027-2028 season, will make him the highest paid player in the NHL. A fascinating mix of determination, talent, and skill, Celebrini is a special type of superstar.
Leaving home at 16-years-old to play high-level hockey can be nerve wracking to some players, but to the ever level-headed Macklin Celebrini it was an adjustment he took with pride and ease. In the 2022-2023 season, Celebrini joined the Chicago Steel in the USHL and wowed everyone. In his 50 games played, 12 short of a full season, the teen sensation recorded a league-leading 86 points (46G, 40A) and 46 goals. With his 86 points, he shattered the previous USHL U17 scoring record (Taylor Cammarata, 69 points), set a franchise powerplay goal record (21), and even broke a franchise record for most goals scored in a single game (5). Although missing 12 games, Celebrini managed to win Forward of the Week an incredible six times, so it was not surprising when he became the first player in USHL history to sweep Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Forward of the Year.
However, Macklin Celebrini had some tough competition for league-leader in his Steel (and future Boston University) teammate, Jack Harvey. All season the two had been battling for the title of both league points and goals leader. In the end, Celebrini came out on top but the competition was healthy and propelled the two to be their best. In fact, Celebrini’s coach at the time, Mike Garman, said his work ethic was “relentless” and he “gets better every week.” He continued with, “to dominate the USHL at 16 is remarkable. In addition to being a phenomenal player, Mack is a true leader and great teammate.” This was echoed by several teammates including Harvard’s current point leader, Mick Thompson, who said “his work ethic is contagious” and he makes everyone around him better.
Again, he was doing all of this at the mere age of 16-years-old. He even represented Team Canada for Canada Black in the World Hockey Challenge early in the season, where he’d play alongside future Sharks teammate, Sam Dickinson. Later in the season he joined Canada in Switzerland to play in the U18 World Championship, where his unremitting work ethic was evident with 15 points (6G, 9A) in just seven games and was named a top 3 player on his team. His incredible 15 points matched Canada’s single-tournament scoring record and amazingly surpassed Connor McDavid, Connor Bedard and Shane Wright for most points by a player 16-years-old or younger.
So, going into his one and only season with Boston University, where he would reunite with Jack Harvey, was an easy transition for Celebrini at 17-years-old. As he took no time to stun the NCAA, Boston University Head Coach, Jay Pandolfo, said “he never takes a shift off or gives an inch, even in practice. Everything is on purpose. He’s on the ice to get better, going to the gym to get better. It never stops.” And never stop he did, scoring 64 points (32G, 32A) in 38 games, becoming the Hockey East Scoring Champion.
Scoring Champion was just the start of the accolades Celebrini would be awarded that season, though. With two months to go until his 18th birthday, Celebrini became the youngest player in NCAA history to win the Hobey Baker Award (given to the best player in college hockey). He was also named to the NCAA (East) 1st All-American team, Hockey East 1st All-Star, All-Rookie and All-Tournament Teams, Player and Rookie of the Year, named to the New England All-Star team, and awarded Rookie of the Year, USCHO 1st Team, Player and Rookie of the Year, and was awarded the Tim Taylor Award for the NCAA’s top collegiate rookie. He also again represented Canada, this time in the U20 World Junior Championship, where he notched 8 points (4G, 4A) in five games and was named a top 3 player on his team once again.
With all those incredible achievements, it’s no wonder the San Jose Sharks went on to draft him first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. The Sharks knew Macklin Celebrini was a generational talent, and were ready to fully build a team around him. He again needed no adjustment period, and jumped into his rookie season in the NHL with 63 points (25G, 38A) in 70 games, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie team and named a Calder (best rookie) finalist. Although he did not win the Calder, Celebrini was still so impressive he was invited to join Team Canada in the World Championship, scoring 6 points (3G, 3A) in eight games.
Now, Celebrini is one of the top players in the league. This season he broke Sharks’ legend, Joe Thornton’s, single-season franchise point record with 115 points (45G, 70A), forever cementing his name as one of the greatest San Jose Sharks in only his sophomore season. With such an impressive resume, he also became the youngest player to represent Team Canada in an Olympics with NHL participation and dazzled with 10 points (5G, 5A) in six games. Handling the pressure well, especially when Sidney Crosby went down with an injury and he had to fill his role, Celebrini helped lead Canada to a silver medal with his tournament-leading goals. Unsurprisingly, he was named to the Olympic All-Star Team.
The trust in Celebrini continued to grow, especially in the Hockey Canada sphere. Representing Canada again in the World Championship, he was awarded the “C” in a team-wide vote that even included Crosby. This would become the first time Crosby didn’t wear the “C” for Canada since 2010. Totally unbothered by pressure, and carrying on his work ethic, he put up the most points by a player under 20 with 14 (6G, 8A) in 10 games and was named the tournament’s best forward and to the All-Star Team and crowned the IIHF’s Male Player of the Year.
Although Celebrini has recently signed a massive contract, he continues to set the standard for what makes a superstar. As Sharks’ Head Coach, Ryan Warsofsky, said: “you know who was the fittest person in the preseason? Mack. You know who plays every single practice like it’s the last practice he’s ever going to get to do? Mack. You know who competes in every game like it’s the last game he’ll ever play? Mack.” Macklin Celebrini’s talent is definitely tangible and has helped him become a franchise player, but what makes him so special and terrifying is his never-ending determination to improve. The sky is the limit for Macklin Celebrini, and he will never stop working to become the best player he can possibly be. A large chunk of the Sharks' future lies in the hands of Celebrini, and he's ready to usher in a new era of the NHL.
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