Macklin Celebrini Commits to San Jose Sharks with Entry-Level Contract, Leading NHL Rebuild Effort

Saturday, July 6th, 2024

Eight days after selecting Macklin Celebrini as their first overall draft pick, the San Jose Sharks have signed him to an entry-level deal.

Although Celebrini, 18, initially contemplated returning to Boston University for another year, he ultimately decided to join the Sharks, aiming to be a top-line center and a key figure in the team's rebuild.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier praised Celebrini as not only a remarkable player on the ice but also a poised, confident, and intelligent individual off it. Grier expressed confidence in Celebrini's readiness to transition into a full-time NHL player.

Celebrini's impressive single season at BU, where he tallied 32 goals and 64 points, showcased his potential to become a franchise cornerstone.

Despite BU's loss in the national semifinal, Celebrini received the Hobey Baker Award as the nation's top men's player, solidifying his draft status.

Since Mike Grier's appointment as GM in 2022, the Sharks' rebuild has advanced through the acquisition of draft capital and promising prospects including Will Smith, Quentin Musty, and Sam Dickinson.

Celebrini and Smith, both former top collegiate players, will join a roster that already features homegrown talents like William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Mario Ferraro.

The Sharks have also bolstered their lineup with veterans such as Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Walman, and Alexander Wennberg, aiming to improve their standings after finishing last place in the previous season.

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