The San Jose Sharks have officially locked down their first-overall pick.
The club announced that it signed Macklin Celebrini to a three-year, entry-level contract on Saturday. The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Celebrini had previously not made a determination on whether he’d make the jump to professional hockey next season or play another year at Boston University, where he won the Hobey Baker following the 2024 season.
Evidently, the Sharks persuaded him.
“It’s nice to be wanted,” he told reporters following his first day at development camp. “It’s been good. They were out there supporting today. From everything I’ve heard, they are some of the best fans in the league. I’m excited to start playing in front of them.”
In his freshman year with BU, Celebrini had 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in just 38 games — a performance that earned him the top NCAA hockey player award.
“His combination of skills and hockey sense is rare, and we are extremely confident that he is ready to make the transition to being a full time NHL player,” Sharks general manager said about Celebrini in a statement. “We could not be more excited to have Macklin locked in to formally join the Sharks organization for the 2024-25 season.”
The Sharks are at the tail-end of a years-long rebuild and Celebrini now joins a team that added Tyler Toffoli and Alex Wennberg, with prospects such as Will Smith ready to make the jump to the NHL, poised to take the next step in the 2024-25 season.
The Sharks’ season-opener takes place Oct. 10 against the St. Louis Blues.
The San Jose Sharks made a big move in signing Macklin Celebrini, the first-overall pick in this year’s draft, to an entry-level contract. Celebrini, a highly touted prospect, is expected to make an immediate impact on the Sharks’ roster.
Celebrini, a 19-year-old forward, has been turning heads with his impressive skill set and hockey IQ. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing in at 200 pounds, he brings size and strength to the Sharks’ lineup. His ability to score goals and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has made him a top prospect in the league.
The Sharks were thrilled to have the opportunity to draft Celebrini with the first overall pick, and they wasted no time in signing him to a contract. General Manager Doug Wilson spoke highly of Celebrini’s potential, stating that he believes the young forward has what it takes to be a key player for the Sharks for years to come.
With Celebrini now officially signed to the team, Sharks fans can look forward to seeing him in action on the ice. His combination of skill, size, and hockey sense make him a valuable asset to the team, and he is expected to contribute right away.
As Celebrini begins his professional career with the Sharks, he will have the opportunity to learn from veteran players and coaches, further developing his game and reaching his full potential. With his talent and work ethic, there is no doubt that Celebrini has a bright future ahead of him in the NHL.
Overall, the signing of Macklin Celebrini is a significant move for the San Jose Sharks, as they add a talented young player to their roster who has the potential to make a big impact in the league. Fans can look forward to watching Celebrini develop and grow as a player as he begins his journey with the Sharks.