San Jose Sharks sophomore forward Macklin Celebrini has emerged this season as a true superstar.
Riding the momentum of a 63-point rookie season (25 goals, 38 assists), this talented teenager, who last year was a Calder Trophy finalist, has taken a giant step towards superstardom as he currently sits tied for second in the NHL’s point race with (10 goals, 16 assists) 26.
Recently, in a November 7th game, Celebrini gave the SAP Center fans reason to cheer when, during a 2-1 win against the Winnipeg Jets, he scored a goal and had a two-point game, which at the time gave him what turned out to be a temporary lead in the NHL’s point race with 23.
Currently, Celebrini has displayed strong consistency, which includes stringing together an impressive seven-game point streak, which on November 2nd was snapped during a 3-2 shootout loss at SAP Center against the Detroit Red Wings.
Celebrini’s biggest offensive output came back on October 23 when at Madison Square Garden, he brought his ‘A’ game and exploded with a hat-trick in a five-point performance during a 6-5 OT win against the New York Rangers.
Standing at 6 foot tall and 190 pounds, Celebrini for a second year in a row, is living with Hockey Hall of Famer and former San Jose Shark forward Joe Thornton and his family.
Thornton, who is part of this year’s distinguished 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class, and who in his career played 15 seasons for the Sharks, believes that Celebrini should be on Team Canada for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Minano Cortina, Italy. In talking about Celebrini, Thornton, who also played for the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs stated, “He’s just strong and motivated–he’s got everything, to be honest with you. He’s a full 200-foot player.” Quite the glowing endorsement from a Hall of Famer.
Sharks Forward Macklin Celebrini Off to a Strong Start
Celebrini Practically a Sure Bet to Make Team Canada’s Olympic Team
Despite having played only one year in the NHL and still being a teenager, Celebrini was invited this past summer to the Olympic orientation camp which took place from August 26 to the 28th in Calgary. This of course, is in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics taking place in Milano Cortina.
Last May Celebrini, who is only 19 years of age, showed during the 2025 IIHF World Championships, that he could hold his own playing on the big stage with the likes of established stars such as Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon.
During that tournament, Celebrini definitely turned some heads as he produced six points (three goals, three assists) in eight games.
“I have no advice for him,” MacKinnon said about May at the Worlds. “He’s a pro. He is miles ahead of where I was at 18, mentally. I think his dad has given him a lot of knowledge, you know, put him in a great spot. Obviously, he was raised great, too. He’s a great kid. He’s dominating. He’s standing out with a lot of older players. I think with a good first half, he’s going to have a really good chance at the Olympic team. Really impressed with him.”
Besides being a gifted point producer, Celberini has also improved significantly in his defensive game. Last season, he finished with a plus/minus of an unflattering -31. So far this year, Celebrini is a +8, and all hockey fans know that a player must excel defensively to make an Olympic team.
The major question for Team Canada management to debate is who would Celebrini replace on Team Canada? Also, at age 19, is he old enough to withstand the pressures of representing your entire country at the Olympics? If this up-and-coming star continues with his torrid play, management would have no choice but to include him on the Olympic roster.
Celebrini Joins Some Elite Company
It’s been quite the breakout season for Celebrini, who recently made hockey history by joining an exclusive club consisting of Hockey Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky, Steve Yzerman and future Hall of Famer Sydney Crosby as the only players who as teenagers scored 24 points in their first 16 games of a new season.
Celebrini, who won’t be 20 years old until June, has this season scored ten goals along with 16 assists in his first 17 games.
Main Image: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
