On a bright Tuesday morning, the San Jose Sharks began their development camp, marked by the highly anticipated debut of Macklin Celebrini at Sharks Ice in San Jose. At just 18 years old, Celebrini has already etched his name in the franchise’s history as their first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice.
Rising Star at a Crossroad
Celebrini, who recently turned heads with an exceptional freshman year at Boston University, faces a significant decision. The young forward is contemplating whether to lace up for the Sharks this season or return to Boston University for his sophomore year.
"It's coming up. I'll make the decision pretty quick here. Just trying to enjoy this camp, and after that I guess it's time to make a decision," Celebrini said, encapsulating the blend of excitement and anticipation surrounding his next steps.
Reflecting on his collegiate performance, it's not hard to see why the Sharks are eager to bring him into their fold. Celebrini scored an impressive 32 goals and 32 assists over 38 games, a feat that earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award as a freshman. His talent is evident, but equally important is his maturity, as noted by John McCarthy, head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate.
Impressing the Coaches
"Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy commented on Celebrini's performance during the camp. He emphasized the young player's exceptional skill set and maturity, which Boston University coaches have equally praised. "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."
Support from All Sides
Celebrini’s journey to this point has been remarkable. After moving to Northern California in 2018, he played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019, displaying precocious talent that set him on a path to stardom. His father, Rick Celebrini, serves as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, unveiling a supportive and accomplished family backdrop.
Looking Ahead
As Celebrini basks in the moment, he also recognizes the realities of joining a team that finished last season with a disappointing 19-54-9 record. Nonetheless, his outlook remains positive. "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," he said.
The Sharks' fanbase, regarded as some of the best in the league, has also shown unwavering support. "It's nice to be wanted. It's been good. They were out there supporting today,” Celebrini remarked. “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."
Fun Amid Decisions
Despite the weight of his upcoming decision, Celebrini remains focused on the joy of the game. "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 shared, embracing the journey ahead.
As the Sharks prepare for their annual prospect scrimmage on Thursday, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. They are eager to see if this prodigious talent will don a Sharks jersey this season or continue honing his skills at Boston University for another year.
Whatever Celebrini decides, one thing is clear: his future in hockey looks exceptionally bright, and both the Sharks organization and their fans have much to look forward to with this rising star.