Although Macklin Celebrini lived in the San Jose area, he never attended a Sharks game. Now, he should most likely become a big part of the team’s rebuild after witnessing the organization win the draft lottery. It is he who is probably number one according to all the rankings.
“My heart jumped a little, I was a little nervous,” Celebrini said after the lottery. “Obviously anything can happen, but if San Jose picks me, it’s going to be really exciting. I’ve been watching Connor Bedard and I’ve talked to him. It’s a specific situation, but it’s nice to be in a rebuild and build something new and special.”
Celebrini, a Boston University center, spent a year in San Jose when he was 13 years old after his father, Rick, was hired by the NBA’s Golden State Warriors as a sports medicine specialist.
Celebrini had 94 points (49 goals and 45 assists) in 54 games with the San Jose Junior Sharks U14 team in 2019-20, his only season with the program, before joining the Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Minnesota.
It was the start of an incredible journey that has seen Celebrini improve at every level to this point and become the projected No. 1 pick in the NHL draft.
“The draw was unique, an experience I wasn’t really prepared for because it’s not even possible,” added Celebrini. “I’m grateful that I was able to get the opportunity to come here and experience it.
Celebrini was second among NCAA players this season with 32 goals and third with 64 points in 38 games. “BU has brought maturity to my game this season,” reflected Celebrini. “I learned a lot playing against the older guys. This whole year has been a learning process.”
Celebrini can become the second Boston University player to be selected No. 1 overall in the NHL draft, joining goaltender Rick DiPietro, who was selected by the New York Islanders in 2000. He could also become the fourth NCAA player selected No. 1 and the first since 2021, when defenseman Owen Power (University of Michigan) was selected by the Buffalo Sabres.
The 17-year-old was the youngest player in the NCAA this season and became the youngest recipient of the Hobey Baker Award, which is awarded annually to the competition’s best hockey player. Celebrini was also named Hockey East Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year, joining Jack Eichel (2015), Paul Kariya (1993) and Brian Leetch (1987) as the only players to win these honors in the same season. Decent company!
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