BU coach Pandolfo explains why Celebrini is ready for the Sharks’ rebuild and how he’s similar to Crosby and Toews

Jay Pandolfo knows a winner when he sees one.

Before Pandolfo became Boston University head coach and sure-fire 2024 first-round pick, Macklin Celebrini, the checking winger hoisted the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1999 and 2003.

So when Pandolfo tells you that Celebrini is a type of player you win with, that means something.

This is great news for the San Jose Sharks.

Pandolfo spoke with San Jose Hockey Now this week to discuss why the San Jose Sharks’ future No. 1 overall pick is currently NHL-ready, how Celebrini helps establish a winning culture and why he’s like Jonathan Toews…and Sidney Crosby .

Sheng Peng: (The San Jose Sharks) are obviously a tough situation for a teenage hockey player to face – what makes Macklin Celebrini suitable to join a rebuild?

Jay Pandolfo: I just think about his maturity, his competitiveness.

He’s the type of person who likes challenges. That’s kind of how he’s wired. Knowing him, he will take on the challenge of trying to help the Sharks rebuild. He is proud to be the one who can help.