Macklin Celebrini Shines at San Jose Sharks Development Camp
Tuesday morning brought a palpable buzz to Sharks Ice in San Jose, as the San Jose Sharks’ development camp kicked into gear. The main attraction? Macklin Celebrini, the franchise's first-ever No. 1 overall draft pick, was making his much-anticipated debut.
The 18-year-old phenom didn’t disappoint. Stepping onto the ice, Celebrini showcased the talent that had captivated scouts and fans alike. Shark’s AHL affiliate coach, John McCarthy, couldn’t hide his admiration: "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy remarked.
It’s a time of crucial decision-making for the young forward. Celebrini is contemplating whether to join the Sharks for the upcoming season or return to Boston University for his sophomore year. "It's coming up. I'll make the decision pretty quick here," Celebrini commented. "Just trying to enjoy this camp, and after that I guess it's time to make a decision."
Celebrini's potential decision carries significant weight. As a freshman at Boston University, he netted 32 goals and provided 32 assists across 38 games—a performance that earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. His striking statistics underscore why he was the top pick and hint at the impact he could have in the NHL.
For those watching Celebrini at camp, his maturity was as evident as his skill. McCarthy noted, "I think he is a mature kid. I know a lot of people (at Boston University), and talking to them about him, as impressive as he is as a player and his skill level, they're equally as impressed as a person. The way that he carries himself, the way that he goes about his business, it's high end, which is why he went first overall."
There is optimism and excitement surrounding his presence, sentiments Celebrini himself shares. "It's been fun. It's been a long process throughout the draft and stuff, but now it's when the fun begins. You just get to skate, play hockey and just have fun with the guys," he reflected.
But Celebrini's journey to this point has been marked by key influences and experiences. His father, Rick Celebrini, serves as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors and unquestionably contributed to Macklin’s athletic development. The younger Celebrini moved to Northern California in 2018, finding a fitting home with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019.
This week at development camp is all part of gearing up for the Sharks’ annual prospect scrimmage set for Thursday. It’s another opportunity for Gordon to see what the future of his team could look like, one that seems undeniably brighter with Celebrini in the mix.
Despite the potential pitfalls of jumping straight into the NHL, there is a collective sense of progression within the organization. After an abysmal 19-54-9 record last season, a player of Celebrini’s caliber could be a cornerstone in their rebuilding efforts. "We're moving in the right direction. There's so many players getting ready to make their debut, especially with the signings that we've made. It's an exciting time," Celebrini added.
The sentiment is echoed by those who support the team. Celebrini acknowledges the esteemed fan base he’s poised to play for, should he choose to stay. "It's nice to be wanted. It's been good. They were out there supporting today. From everything I've heard, they are some of the best fans in the league. I'm excited to start playing in front of them," Celebrini said.
With the prospect of having such a gifted player on their roster, the Sharks are undoubtedly eager for Celebrini's decision. Regardless of his choice, his future in hockey looks exceedingly bright. For now, fans and team officials alike can only wait and watch as Celebrini navigates this pivotal juncture.