Is Macklin Celebrini already a top-20 center in the NHL?
He is, according to NHL Network. The 2024 San Jose Sharks’ first-overall pick was ranked 19th on their recent list ahead of 20th-ranked Sam Bennett and big names like Anze Kopitar, Elias Pettersson, Dylan Strome, and Anthony Cirelli.
Our Top 20 Centers Right Now list has a total of:
• 12 Stanley Cups
• 5 Conn Smythe Trophies
• 10 Ted Lindsay Awards
• 8 Hart Trophies
• 8 Art Ross Trophies
• 7 Maurice Richard Trophies
• 3 Selke Trophies
What do you think of our list?@NHL | #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/7xSsx0hpuh
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 20, 2025
Celebrini is competing with many of the listed centers for a spot on Canada’s roster for the 2026 Olympics.
Last season, the rookie finished third in Calder Trophy voting and scored 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games. Beyond that, Macklin Celebrini also has high-end puck-carrying and defensive abilities, as a recent San Jose Hockey Now deep-dive with Stathletes micro-stats showed.
Do you think Celebrini is already one of the top centers in the NHL?
AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…
On the latest San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, Sheng Peng notes what Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund have worked on this offseason. Plus, hear Keegan, Zubair, and Sheng talk about Joe Pavelski’s jersey retirement case, the San Jose Sharks’ arena plans, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic’s buyout.
Why was Will Smith not invited to Team USA’s camp ahead of the Olympics?
Joe Pavelski will NOT have his jersey retired next season.
What makes Alex Wennberg special?
OTHER SHARKS NEWS…
That’s our mascot… he’s iconic 🤩
Congrats @sjsharkie on being named NHL Mascot of the Year! pic.twitter.com/e3wgVPbc3L
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) August 18, 2025
Rise and Shine
◡̈ pic.twitter.com/pE2SqFCSgi
— #SJSharkie (@sjsharkie) August 19, 2025
Will the San Jose Sharks have any upcoming first-ballot Hall of Famers?
Doug Armstrong talks about Macklin Celebrini’s case to make Canada’s 2026 Olympics team on TSN 1050 and Sportsnet radio.
Who are the best San Jose Sharks WHL prospects?
AROUND THE NHL…
Hearing there has been significant progress toward a potential Marco Rossi signing by the #mnwild in the coming days. As we’ve been reporting, a bridge deal makes the most sense.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) August 21, 2025
Sergei Fedorov is open to joining Detroit Red Wings’ front office.
Will the Boston Bruins shop Fabian Lysell?
Connor Ingram cleared for return by the NHLPA’s player assistance program.
Who were some unsung heroes of Chicago Blackhawks dynasty?
Frank Nazar signs a seven-year contract.
Will Seth Jones make the USA Olympic team?
How concerned should Pittsburgh Penguins fans be with the organization?
Also, the Hoffman family is in the mix to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A letter from the Milwaukee Admirals’ president.
How does Victor Olofsson impact the Colorado Avalanche depth chart?
The ECHL announces expansion to Augusta, Georgia.