Sharks' Second-Year Center Celebrini Already Drawing Sidney Crosby Comparisons
When the San Jose Sharks selected Macklin Celebrini as the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, the hockey world hesitated to bestow the coveted "generational player" label upon the young prospect. That designation has historically been reserved for legends like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, and Bobby Orr—players whose impact transcends eras.
A Thundering Revelation in San Jose
Now in his second NHL season, the teenage Celebrini—who won't turn twenty until mid-June—has emerged as a thundering revelation for the Sharks. With an impressive 78 points already on the board, Celebrini's statistical performance places him in elite company. Only Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Colorado Avalanche star Nate MacKinnon, and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov have posted better numbers this season, with the Olympics and an NHL break looming ahead.
It's worth noting that all three of those players have captured scoring titles and earned league MVP awards, underscoring the remarkable company Celebrini now keeps. His rapid ascent has transformed the Sharks' outlook and injected excitement into a franchise undergoing a significant rebuild.
Hart Trophy Conversation and Playoff Aspirations
If the Sharks—who managed just 52 points last season—can somehow secure their first playoff berth since the 2018-19 campaign, Celebrini would rightfully enter the Hart Trophy conversation as league MVP. The team's core has shifted dramatically since the days when Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, Logan Couture, and Joe Pavelski led the charge.
Currently, San Jose holds a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, sitting five points behind the second-place Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division but with three games in hand. Their upcoming matchup against Connor McDavid and the Oilers represents a critical test for the young squad.
The Crosby Comparison Emerges
The most striking endorsement of Celebrini's talent came from USA Olympic coach Mike Sullivan, who coached Sidney Crosby for a decade and won two Stanley Cups with him in Pittsburgh. "He's a young Sidney Crosby," Sullivan remarked, drawing immediate attention to the parallel.
Such a comparison carries immense weight, given Crosby's legendary status. Celebrini himself addressed a viral story suggesting he called Crosby "Mr. Crosby" during their time together on Canada's world championship team last spring. "I hate to do this but that story is fake," Celebrini laughed. "I was joking around with a Slovakian reporter at the worlds and he took it seriously. Nah, I called him Sid."
Professional Pedigree and Work Ethic
Celebrini's professional upbringing has undoubtedly shaped his approach to the game. His father, Rick Celebrini, serves as vice-president of player health and performance for the NBA's Golden State Warriors, exposing Macklin to elite athletes from an early age. This environment fostered an attention to detail regarding physical conditioning and recovery.
He has observed firsthand how professionals like Steph Curry and Draymond Green—who have attended Sharks games—approach their craft. Celebrini has translated that labor and dedication directly to the NHL, embodying a similar hockey love and competitive drive seen in Crosby and McDavid.
Leadership and Future Captaincy
Like those transcendent teenage talents before him, Celebrini combines elite skill with an eagerness to compete and lead immediately. While he doesn't yet wear the captain's "C" on his jersey, many within the organization view him as the de facto leader on the ice. It's widely anticipated that he will formally assume the captaincy next season, following a trajectory reminiscent of Crosby's early career.
Crosby recorded 102 points at age eighteen and 100 at nineteen in Pittsburgh. Celebrini, meanwhile, posted 63 points in 70 games during his rookie year with the league's worst team. Now, in his sophomore campaign, he's on pace for approximately 120 points, spearheading a young and entertaining Sharks roster into a new era of competitiveness.
