In the worst-kept secret in San Jose Sharks history, the team in teal kicked off the NHL draft by selecting forward Macklin Celebrini first overall. The wait is over, and he is officially part of the organization moving forward. He is part of the San Jose Sharks' future and will need to be a crucial part of the core that helps this team emerge from the rebuild in a few season's time.
As for the here and now, Celebrini will have to decide where he wants to play his hockey next year. The San Jose Sharks will have no problem slotting him into the NHL roster if that is what he wants, but it needs to be agreed upon by both parties. If Celebrini would prefer another year in college before going professional, the Sharks can't make him play at the NHL level against his wishes despite his talent.
The two parties will now communicate and hope to agree on Celebrini's entry-level deal. That would ensure he is playing at the NHL level when he signs it because there's no shot he reports to the Barracuda while on that deal. He's shown that he can compete against the best players in his age bracket for a long time, and he will eventually need to prove that he can compete in the professional leagues if Celebrini is going to become the star we all hope he will be.
In 38 games this year with Boston University, Celebrini recorded 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points. Celebrini won the Hobey Baker Award as the most valuable player in the NCAA. He's an incredible talent, and the Sharks are lucky to have had the chance to take him with the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft. He will help the future shine a little brighter.