Eight days after selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick, the San Jose Sharks have officially signed 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini to his entry-level contract. The young center has opted to jump directly to the NHL, foregoing what would have been his sophomore season at Boston University.
Celebrini, heralded for his scoring ability and hockey acumen, made a significant impact during his single season with the Boston University Terriers. In 38 games, he scored 32 goals and amassed 64 points, leading the team in both categories. His efforts drove the Terriers to the national semifinal game, where they narrowly missed advancing, falling in overtime to Denver. Celebrini's standout season was capped by winning the Hobey Baker Award, which recognized him as the nation's top men's collegiate player.
Immediate Impact on the Sharks
General Manager Mike Grier expressed the team's enthusiastic reception of Celebrini, stating, "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."
The signing marks a significant moment for a Sharks team in a rebuilding phase. Following a season that saw the Sharks finish with the league's worst record, the team secured Celebrini by winning the NHL Draft Lottery. This addition is a hopeful sign for a franchise eager to end a five-year playoff drought.
Building Through the Draft
The Sharks' strategy under Mike Grier, who was hired as general manager in 2022, has heavily focused on the draft. Celebrini's signing follows the recent additions of Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson, all promising players chosen in the last two drafts. The team’s draft capital has grown through active trades, resulting in multiple first-round picks in recent years. Will Smith, another standout, signed his entry-level contract after a successful freshman season at Boston College, where he recorded 25 goals and 71 points.
Complementing Youth with Experience
While building a core of young, talented players, the Sharks have also bolstered their roster with experienced veterans. Players like Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg bring valuable NHL experience to the team. Additionally, homegrown talents such as William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro are expected to play essential roles in the Sharks' future.
A Return to the Bay Area
Macklin Celebrini's journey to San Jose is somewhat of a homecoming. After his family relocated from North Vancouver, he played a season for the San Jose Jr. Sharks. The move was spurred by his father, Rick Celebrini, taking a job with the Golden State Warriors, thus tying the family to the Bay Area.
As Celebrini transitions to the professional level, there is palpable excitement surrounding his potential to become a cornerstone for the Sharks. His arrival represents a pivotal step for a franchise looking to climb back to prominence, armed with young talent and strategic veteran additions.