A Rookie Redefining Expectations in San Jose
Macklin Celebrini entered the NHL with the weight of the San Jose Sharks franchise on his back — somehow, he did not just carry it, he thrived under it. The North Vancouver, British Columbia native became only the fourth NCAA men’s college hockey player to be drafted first overall. The Sharks selected him as a core piece of their rebuild, hoping he could be the game-changing offensive force they desperately needed. Celebrini quickly adapted to every zone on the ice and established himself as a complete player on one of the league’s least complete rosters.
On October 10th, 2024, Celebrini made his NHL debut, recording a goal and an assist in the Sharks’ 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues. At just 18 years old, he became the youngest player in franchise history to score in his NHL debut. His goal at the 7:01 mark was the second-fastest by a number-one overall pick in league history, trailing only Mario Lemieux. On April 9th, 2025, Celebrini scored his first career hat trick and added two assists in an 8-7 loss to the Minnesota Wild, becoming the sixth 18-year-old in NHL history to record a five-point game.
Despite missing 12 games due to injury, Celebrini returned strong and was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for November. He led all first-year players with seven goals, 12 points, and 45 shots on goal that month. He was also named the NHL’s First Star of the Week ending December 1st after tallying seven points, four goals and three assists in four games. In a 7-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on November 25th, he became the youngest player in Sharks history to record a three-point game.
Celebrini led all NHL rookies with a 0.9 point-per-game average. His 63 points in 70 games tied him with Matvei Michkov for second among rookies, trailing only Lane Hutson’s 66. He finished with 25 goals, second only to Michkov’s 26. Beyond the numbers, he impressed in every zone and solidified himself as San Jose’s best center by season’s end. Although the Sharks finished last in the standings, their future looks far brighter with Celebrini at the core. The Sharks now shift their focus to development, much like other teams facing a disappointing end to 2024-25 season after falling short of playoff hopes.
The day after the Sharks’ season ended, Celebrini was already back on the ice preparing for the 2025 IIHF World Championships. He will represent Team Canada in May as the tournament takes place in Sweden and Denmark. Celebrini’s work ethic, maturity, and complete game have brought legitimacy and hope to a struggling franchise. He is not just living up to the hype, he is redefining what it means to be a rookie in the NHL.
