Sharks GM Mike Grier inadvertently reveals Celebrini as top pick in upcoming draft

It’s no secret who the consensus No. 1 prospect in this year’s NHL Draft is but now we know for sure who the San Jose Sharks will be selecting.

Sharks GM Mike Grier accidentally let slip that Macklin Celebrini will be the club’s pick when they take the stage at the Sphere next week.

During a press conference to introduce new head coach Ryan Warsofsky, Grier was asked if the player taken with the No. 1 pick would join the Sharks right away or continue developing somewhere else.

“First we’ll meet with Macklin and his family. If it is Macklin. Did I say Macklin?” Grier said. “We’ll meet with his agents and his family and just try to decide what’s best for him and his development.”

The slip-up should be no surprise as Celebrini checks a lot of boxes for the Sharks, who are in a deep rebuild. Beyond his on-ice credentials — Celebrini became the youngest player ever to win the Hobey Baker Award — he also has ties to the Bay Area, as his father works for the Golden State Warriors.

A local star poised to lead the Sharks to glory? Grier probably can’t wait until draft night.

In a surprising turn of events, San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier inadvertently revealed that the team has their sights set on selecting defenseman Luke Celebrini as their top pick in the upcoming NHL draft.

During a recent press conference, Grier let slip that the Sharks have been closely scouting Celebrini and are impressed with his skill set and potential to make an impact at the professional level. While Grier did not explicitly confirm Celebrini as their top choice, his comments strongly suggest that the young defenseman is at the top of their draft board.

Celebrini, a 18-year-old prospect from British Columbia, has been turning heads with his strong play in junior leagues and international competitions. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing in at 200 pounds, Celebrini possesses the size and physicality that NHL teams covet in a defenseman.

With the Sharks in need of defensive depth and looking to bolster their blue line for the future, Celebrini could be the perfect fit for the team. His ability to move the puck effectively, play a physical game, and contribute on both ends of the ice make him an attractive prospect for San Jose.

While Grier’s slip-up may have given away the Sharks’ draft intentions, it also adds an element of excitement and anticipation for fans as they eagerly await the upcoming draft. Will Celebrini be wearing teal and black next season? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the Sharks are poised to make a splash with their top pick.