The San Jose Sharks have gotten first overall draft pick from the 2024 NHL Draft Macklin Celebrini signed. News of the deal came late Saturday afternoon. This entry-level deal is for three years, but financial teams have yet to be disclosed.
Sharks fans, we (officially) got him 🔏 pic.twitter.com/VnCbaGbvD4
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 6, 2024
Macklin Celebrini Signed by San Jose Sharks
Celebrini was taken first overall in the NHL Draft after a standout freshman season with Boston University. He recorded 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 38 games for the Terriers. That performance netted him the Hobey Baker Award for the NCAA’s top collegiate player. Celebrini’s performance was good enough for second in points behind BU and future Sharks teammate Will Smith.
Before he played in college, he was a member of the Chicago Steel of the USHL. Celebrini posted 46 goals and 40 assists for 86 points. He was the first player to win rookie of the year, forward of the year and player of the year in the same season.
The Vancouver native represented Team Canada at the 2024 World Junior Championship and led the team in scoring. Celebrini recorded eight points (four goals, four assists) in five games. Canada finished out the tournament with a quarterfinal loss.
What It Means
Celebrini will likely start the season with the Sharks and be the focal point of the team’s rebuild. It’s going to be a few seasons before the Sharks contend. However, Celebrini has all the tools to take this team back to where it needs to be.
Him and Smith are going to be relied upon to carry the club back to its former glory. There are going to be some rough spots, but the duo had great chemistry in the college ranks. The Sharks have a long way to go, but changes have been made from last year’s dreadful campaign.
There’s nowhere to go but up for San Jose. Sharks fans hope Celebrini can live up to the hype.
Main photo by: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
