Eight days after the San Jose Sharks selected Macklin Celebrini with the No. 1 overall pick, the organization has officially inked the promising 18-year-old center to his entry-level contract. The signing, which took place on Saturday, marks a significant milestone in Celebrini's career as he bypasses a sophomore season at Boston University to step directly into the NHL.
Celebrini, renowned for his scoring abilities and acute hockey sense, had an impressive freshman season at Boston University. Over 38 games, he netted 32 goals and accumulated 64 points, leading the Terriers in both categories. His remarkable performance propelled the team to the national semifinal game, where they narrowly lost in overtime to Denver. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he earned the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the nation's top men's player.
The Sharks, who secured Celebrini after winning the NHL Draft Lottery due to having the league's worst record, have high hopes for their new acquisition. "Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident, and intelligent young man off it," stated Sharks general manager Mike Grier. "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."
The signing of Celebrini marks a cornerstone in the Sharks' ongoing efforts to rebuild and enhance their roster. The team has struggled in recent years, missing the playoffs for the past five seasons. Since Mike Grier's appointment as GM in 2022, the Sharks have been active in the trade market, aiming to bolster their draft capital. Their efforts have resulted in a pair of first-round picks in the last two drafts and an additional two first-round picks in the upcoming draft.
Recent drafts have seen the Sharks selecting promising talents such as Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson. Will Smith, another standout, was signed to an entry-level contract after an impressive freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded 25 goals and 71 points.
The Sharks' current roster reflects a mix of homegrown talents and seasoned veterans. Homegrown players like William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro have shown promise, while the roster has been further fortified with experienced players such as Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg. This blend of youth and experience aims to push the Sharks back into contention.
Celebrini's path to the Sharks has personal ties as well. He played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks following his family's relocation from North Vancouver. His father, Rick Celebrini, had accepted a role with the Golden State Warriors, which brought the family to the Bay Area.
With Celebrini officially targeted for the 2024-25 season, the anticipation is building among Sharks fans and within the organization. His entry-level contract signifies more than just a new player; it heralds a new chapter for the franchise, anchored by a young talent who has already demonstrated exceptional skill and maturity both on and off the ice.
As the Sharks look to turn the corner and build a competitive roster, Macklin Celebrini's integration into the team could very well be the catalyst needed to reignite the franchise's aspirations. The upcoming season holds much promise as Celebrini embarks on what is poised to be a noteworthy NHL career.