Celebrini's Future Hangs in the Balance as He Impresses at Sharks Development Camp
Tuesday morning marked a pivotal moment for the San Jose Sharks' development camp, as all eyes were firmly fixed on Macklin Celebrini, the franchise's first-ever No. 1 overall draft pick. Making his highly anticipated debut at Sharks Ice in San Jose, the 18-year-old forward did not disappoint.
Coming off a stellar freshman year at Boston University, where he netted an impressive 32 goals and added 32 assists in just 38 games, Celebrini appears to be living up to the immense expectations. His collegiate success was further underscored by winning the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, a testament to his skill and hard work on the ice.
Head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate, John McCarthy, was effusive in his praise of the young star. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy stated, highlighting Celebrini's tenacity and competitiveness. He further added, "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."
While Celebrini's skill set is undeniable, his immediate future remains undecided. The young prospect is currently weighing whether to start his professional career with 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 remarked, aware of the looming choice ahead.
The Sharks organization and its fan base appear ready to welcome him with open arms. "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, expressing his excitement at the prospect of playing in San Jose.
This period of decision-making comes at a time when the Sharks are in a rebuilding phase. Last season ended on a sour note with a 19-54-9 record, prompting the franchise to look to the future with its young talents. Speaking on the state of the team, Celebrini noted, "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."
Adding to the personal intrigue surrounding Celebrini is his deep-rooted connection to Northern California. Having moved to the area in 2018, he played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019, further solidifying his ties to the region. His father, Rick Celebrini, also serves as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, making the Bay Area a significant part of the Celebrini family's life.
As the Sharks prepare for their annual prospect scrimmage set for Thursday, the anticipation surrounding Celebrini's potential decision continues to build. It’s clear that whether he lines up for the Sharks this season or returns to Boston University, the hockey world will be watching Macklin Celebrini very closely.
For now, the focus remains on development camp, where Celebrini is relishing the opportunity to get back to the basics. "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 said, encapsulating his current mindset.
John McCarthy summed up the shared sentiment within the Sharks' organization: "I think he's a really, really talented, really good hockey player. As far as the other stuff, that's kind of above me." Indeed, if Celebrini’s performance in these initial stages is any indication, the future looks incredibly promising for both him and the Sharks. The coming days, decisions, and games will reveal just how quickly that future will unfold.