Macklin Celebrini Shines at San Jose Sharks Development Camp
Excitement buzzed around Sharks Ice in San Jose on a Tuesday morning as Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks' first-ever No. 1 overall draft pick, made his much-anticipated debut. The 18-year-old phenom showcased the skills and poise that led to him being the top selection in the draft, hinting at a promising future for the NHL franchise.
Celebrini's decision to either join the Sharks this season or return to Boston University for his sophomore year looms large. "It's coming up. I'll make the decision pretty quick here," Celebrini mentioned, weighing his options. "Just trying to enjoy this camp, and after that I guess it's time to make a decision."
Head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, John McCarthy, shared his first impressions of Celebrini's performance at the camp. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy said. Celebrini's competitive spirit and skill were evident to all in attendance, aligning with the expectations that come with being a top draft pick.
Celebrini had a stellar freshman year at Boston University, scoring 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games, a performance that earned him the Hobey Baker Award. The young forward's decision on whether to return to college hockey or jump directly into the NHL will significantly impact the Sharks, who finished last season with a dismal 19-54-9 record.
The support from Sharks fans has not gone unnoticed by Celebrini. "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," he said, appreciative of the enthusiasm surrounding his arrival.
Since moving to Northern California in 2018, Celebrini has had a unique connection with the region. He played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019, paving the way for his current position. During this period, his father, Rick Celebrini, has been contributing as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors.
Reflecting on his journey, Celebrini shared, "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."
John McCarthy continued to praise Celebrini, not just for his on-ice talents, but for his character. "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," McCarthy noted.
The Sharks' annual prospect scrimmage is set for Thursday, offering another opportunity for Celebrini to impress the organization and fans alike. As the Sharks look to rebuild and emerge from a challenging season, Celebrini's potential addition is a beacon of hope. "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 expressed, hinting at positive developments within the team.
Regarding his prowess on the ice, McCarthy was succinct yet admiring, "I think he's a really, really talented, really good hockey player. As far as the other stuff, that's kind of above me."
As Macklin Celebrini contemplates his immediate future, one thing is clear: his journey is closely watched by fans and analysts alike, all eager to see how the young talent will shape the future of the San Jose Sharks.