ARLINGTON, Va. — Macklin Celebrini entered the NHL amidst high expectations, being the top draft pick and emerging as the principal figure for the San Jose Sharks. He is accompanied by roommate Will Smith, another promising prospect and vital piece of the franchise’s future. However, those following Celebrini’s journey were urged to temper their enthusiasm due to a hip injury that kept him out for nearly a month after his professional debut.
Now back in top form, Celebrini has made a strong impact by being named the league’s rookie of the month and earning the title of first star of the week for his impressive performance at the end of November. Meanwhile, Smith is also on a roll, boasting a four-game point streak, with both players gaining confidence as they climb the ranks a quarter into the season. “We’re happy for each other whenever we’re contributing and playing well,” Smith noted. “It’s our first year, the coach’s first year, and we’ve started to find a rhythm as a team.”
San Jose faced a challenging start, suffering nine consecutive losses—eight of which occurred without Celebrini on the ice. Since that rocky beginning, the team has turned things around with a record of 9-6-3. Celebrini has notably come alive on the score sheet, netting four goals and three assists over his past four games. He learned of his recognition as the NHL’s first star just moments after finishing practice. “First star of what?” Celebrini exclaimed, surprised at the prestigious accolade.
With 14 points in his initial 15 games, Celebrini leads all rookies with an average of 0.93 points per game, surpassing Philadelphia’s Matvei Michkov as the frontrunner for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie. His achievements extend beyond mere numbers; according to advanced metrics from Sportlogiq, Celebrini equals the most puck battles won per game compared to veteran two-way centers like John Tavares and Sean Couturier.
“He’s not hesitant to engage physically, which is remarkably impressive for someone so young in the NHL,” said Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky. “His tenacity in retrieving the puck demonstrates his high competitiveness.” Meanwhile, Washington’s coach Spencer Carbery, a close associate of Warsofsky’s, expressed his admiration for Celebrini’s shot. “His release and shot speed are elite, exceeding what I initially expected of him,” Carbery remarked.
Smith initially struggled to find the net, remaining pointless in his first eight games until scoring twice against Chicago on October 31. The coaching team has judiciously managed his ice time and rested him during back-to-back games, leading to a noticeable uptick in his performance, with three goals and four assists over his last four matches. “He seems more at ease out there,” said veteran teammate Mikael Granlund. “It looks like he doesn’t feel compelled to force plays anymore; his natural talent is beginning to show.”
Before stepping into the NHL, Celebrini racked up 64 points over 38 games at Boston University while Smith scored 71 points in 41 games at Boston College, where they played in the NCAA Championship. Transitioning to the NHL certainly presents its challenges, but Smith feels equipped for the task. “I came here to win and contribute. It’s the top level,” he stated. “Even if you don’t score and still create opportunities, that can enhance your confidence.”
What’s also beneficial for the young talents is the guidance available to them. Celebrini shares a home with veteran Joe Thornton, while Smith resides with Patrick Marleau. This connection to the team’s historical stars is instrumental in shaping the franchise’s future. “The knowledge those players offer is invaluable,” Warsofsky added.