Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
Mike Grier didn’t know for sure that he was going to name Macklin Celebrini captain of the San Jose Sharks until training camp.
Celebrini, 20, was named the 11th full-time captain of the Sharks on Friday morning.
“Just an amazing honor,” Celebrini said. “I just feel privileged to be able to wear this jersey and be the captain.”
Grier’s decision was “cemented” over the last few months and camp.
“He was calling people on Draft night,” the San Jose Sharks GM said about Celebrini calling first-round picks Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff, and Ryan Lin after their selections. “He was organizing guys to come back to San Jose early to get ready for training camp.”
Celebrini has kept leading, through Captain’s Skates and the beginning of camp.
“The older guys, we brought in some veteran guys who’ve been leaders before and have a lot of experience, all those guys were naturally following Mack,” Grier said, referring to 30-something newcomers like Mason Marchment, Darnell Nurse, and Jacob Trouba.
And it’s not just how Celebrini treated his fellow headliners.
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