Macklin Celebrini’s homecoming is full.
The 18-year-old phenom signed his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks, basic supervisor Mike Grier introduced Saturday, which means he’ll play within the NHL subsequent season.
Celebrini formally turns professional after it was unclear if he’d return for an additional season at Boston College following the Sharks deciding on him No. 1 total within the 2024 NHL Draft final month.
San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng was first to report the information that Celebrini would go professional.
“Macklin isn’t solely a particular participant on the ice, however he’s a poised, assured and clever younger man off of it,” Grier mentioned in an announcement launched by the workforce. “His mixture of expertise and hockey sense is uncommon, and we’re extraordinarily assured that he’s able to make the transition to being a full-time NHL participant. We couldn’t be extra excited to have Macklin locked in to formally be part of the Sharks group for the 2024-25 season.”
Celebrini’s arrival invitations palpable pleasure about the Sharks’ future after they capped a tough five-year spell with an abysmal 2023-24 season. He dominated the school sport as a 17-year-old, taking house Hobey Baker Memorial Award honors because the NCAA’s high participant after he recorded 64 factors (32 objectives, 32 assists) and a plus-25 ranking in 38 video games for BU.
Celebrini acquired a style of the Sharks’ passionate fan base throughout this week’s improvement camp in San Jose, and he praised the assist he and his teammates acquired.
“It’s good to be wished,” Celebrini mentioned. “They [Sharks fans] have been on the market supporting immediately. From every thing I’ve heard, they’re a number of the greatest followers within the league. So, I’m excited to start out enjoying in entrance of them.”
It is not Celebrini’s first time in a Sharks sweater, although. He performed for the Jr. Sharks through the 2019-20 season and collected 94 factors (49 objectives, 45 assists) in 54 video games with the 14-and-under workforce.
With Celebrini formally signed to an NHL contract, San Jose could have its two high prospects subsequent season, as 2023 No. 4 total choose Will Smith made his transition to the professionals official in Might.
After the younger facilities had sturdy performances in Thursday’s prospect scrimmage, there’s loads of purpose to be optimistic concerning the Sharks’ long-term outlook, because the proud franchise seeks to regain its foothold among the many NHL’s elite.
Obtain and observe the San Jose Hockey Now podcast