Sharks Land Franchise Cornerstone: Macklin Celebrini Inks First NHL Deal San Jose, Calif. – The San Jose Sharks have locked up their future with the signing of 2024 first-overall selection Macklin Celebrini to a three-year entry-level contract. Celebrini, an 18-year-old center, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in hockey. Standing at 6’1″ and 185 pounds, he possesses exceptional size, skill, and leadership abilities. During his exceptional season with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, Celebrini led the league in points (120) and assists (78), while also proving his defensive prowess with a +24 plus/minus rating. He set several franchise records and was named the OHL’s Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, and a First Team All-Star. “Macklin is a generational talent who has the potential to be a cornerstone for this franchise,” said Sharks General Manager Mike Grier. “His exceptional skills, work ethic, and character make him a perfect fit for San Jose.” Celebrini expressed his excitement about joining the Sharks: “I’m thrilled to be part of such a historic organization. The Sharks have a long tradition of developing young players, and I believe in their vision for my future.” The signing of Celebrini is a major coup for the Sharks, who have struggled in recent years. With Celebrini in the fold, the team hopes to build a contender around a young core of talented players. Celebrini is expected to make his NHL debut during the upcoming 2024-25 season. His arrival brings a renewed sense of optimism to the Sharks faithful, who are eager to witness the rise of a new franchise star.San Jose Sharks Announce Signing of Top Draft Pick Macklin CelebriniSan Jose Sharks Announce Signing of Top Draft Pick Macklin Celebrini The San Jose Sharks have signed their first-overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, center Macklin Celebrini, to an entry-level contract. “Macklin is a special player on and off the ice,” said Sharks General Manager Mike Grier. “His combination of skills and hockey sense is rare, and we are confident he is ready to make the transition to the NHL.” Celebrini, 18, impressed during his freshman season at Boston University, recording 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 38 games. He finished second in the NCAA in points-per-game (1.68) and was named the Hobey Baker Award winner as college hockey’s top player. Prior to his collegiate career, Celebrini played for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (USHL), leading the league in goals, points, game-winning goals, and power-play goals. He won the USHL’s Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Forward of the Year awards. On the international stage, Celebrini represented Team Canada at the 2024 World Junior Championship, leading the team in scoring with eight points in five games. He also helped Canada win a Bronze medal at the 2023 U-18 World Junior Championship. The 6-foot, 190-pound native of Vancouver, British Columbia, is expected to make his NHL debut with the Sharks in the 2024-25 season. The Sharks organization is thrilled to welcome Celebrini to the team and is confident that he will play a significant role in their future success.San Jose Sharks Acquire First Overall Pick Macklin Celebrini The San Jose Sharks have acquired the first overall selection in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Macklin Celebrini, from the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In exchange, the Sharks sent the Wolves their first-round pick in the 2024 draft, their second-round pick in the 2025 draft, and forward Thomas Bordeleau. Celebrini, an 18-year-old centerman, is considered one of the most dynamic offensive players in the OHL. In the 2022-23 season, he recorded 115 points (47 goals, 68 assists) in 68 games. The Sharks are excited to add Celebrini to their young core of players. He is expected to make an immediate impact on the team and help them contend for a playoff berth in the near future. “We are thrilled to add Macklin to our organization,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. “He is a special talent with the potential to be a franchise cornerstone.” Celebrini is expected to join the Sharks for training camp in September.