10 Things to Watch: Macklin Celebrini

10 Things to Watch: Macklin Celebrini

This is our series 10 things to watch in the upcoming Shark season. And this time around, we’ll be discussing the sophomore campaign for Mlin Celibbrini in San Jose. And let’s be honest, even if he repeated the output of last year, Sharks fans would be thrilled. 63 points, including 25 goals in 70 games, all while being the youngest player in the league. And that’s just the obvious metrics. He was also one of the most defensive-minded centermen in the West. and showcased the ability to create off the rush just about as good as anyone else in the NHL. Yeah, Mlin missed out on the Calder to his former college teammate Lane Hudson of Montreal. But no, it certainly did not have a lot of San Jose fans feeling ultimate remorse because they can see the trajectory of 71 as a centerpiece of this franchise. And that leads us to this upcoming season. what it could bring for Mlin and what exactly are the expectations for a 19-year-old who has already taken so many steps. A common sentiment is that he’ll be more of a target for opponents to key in on try and shut down this season, but he already matched up against some of the most difficult lines in hockey last season. It’s also not a guarantee, but certainly not far-fetched either, that in 2026, Celibbraney could get the nod to play on Team Canada, the Olympics in Italy. You’d have to think that rubbing elbows with superstars like Sydney Crosby and Nate McKinnon over this past summer certainly don’t hurt that cause. And lastly, what about Celebrating taking over that vacant captaincy of the Sharks? That’s probably not a matter of if, but truly a complication of when. We’ll save that decision for the GM and head coach, and we’ll cover that topic in a separate video in this series, but it certainly is reassuring to know the Sharks have a guy lined up for the long term and the big picture. It’s difficult to predict exactly where Mlin’s game will take the next steps in 25-26, but we do know he’s got the right mentors, the right surroundings, and obviously the right work ethic to continue digging himself in as a future cornerstone of this franchise. Nice.

Brodie Brazil highlights forward Macklin Celebrini in the latest 10 Thing to Watch for this upcoming Sharks season.