Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini breaks silence on pro move after NHL Draft

The San Jose Sharks made Macklin Celebrini the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft in late June. It was one of the worst-kept secrets in the league heading into the event. It was unclear whether the Boston University star would decide to turn pro after the draft. On Saturday, we got the answer, as Celebrini decided to turn pro and sign with San Jose.

Celebrini admitted that decision weighed on his mind in the days following the 2024 NHL Draft. He met with various members of the Sharks organization to get a sense of what he wanted to do. Ultimately, he came away with a clear direction in which he felt he needed to go.

“I tried to keep everything open until the end of the week, Friday. After my exit meetings, once I got back to the hotel, I knew. That’s when I really realized I knew what I had to do. Every time I thought about coming to the Sharks, I was really excited,” Celebrini said, via NHL.com.

Macklin Celebrini strives to be the best

Celebrini was selected in the NHL Draft as the top player in the 2024 draft class. San Jose knew that, but still needed to get to know the player on a personal level before making its move. And general manager Mike Grier has been impressed with the 18-year-old forward. Specifically, Grier highlighted the “alpha mentality” he saw in the Sharks’ new forward when he met him.

“I think what really pushed us to take the plunge was our interview and dinner with him at the (NHL Scouting) Combine, where he just showed a maturity beyond his years in his drive, his passion and his desire to be a great player in this league,” Grier said, via NHL.com. “When you’re around those types of players, I think you recognize that, and he kind of has that alpha mentality that made us believe he was ready to take on the ups and downs and the rigors of an NHL season.”

Celebrini has expressed his desire to be the best player he can be. Ultimately, he wants to help his team win hockey games. To do that, he needs to be at his best so he can make the plays his teammates expect of him on the ice.

“I think it goes hand in hand, being the best I can be and trying to prepare myself the best I can, so I can help my team win, so I can be counted on in those moments to be successful. … I just want to be the best I can be and I feel like that’s what I’ve always been,” Celebrini said, via NHL.com.

The Sharks are certainly excited to see their new franchise cornerstone hit the ice for the first time. With that in mind, fans can circle Thursday, October 10 on their calendars. Macklin Celebrini could make his NHL debut that night in San Jose against the St. Louis Blues.