Macklin Celebrini Bio
Macklin Celebrini, born June 13, 2006, is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played college hockey for the Boston University Terriers and became the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker Award during his freshman season. Celebrini was selected first overall by the Sharks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie. Internationally, he has represented Canada at multiple tournaments including the 2024 World Junior Championships and the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
Early Life and Background
Macklin Celebrini was born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He played much of his minor hockey in Vancouver with the North Shore Winter Club. His family later relocated to San Jose when his father accepted a job with the Golden State Warriors of the NBA. Celebrini spent the 2019–20 season with the San Jose Jr Sharks program. Growing up, he was a fan of the Vancouver Canucks, influenced by his father Rick, who was a soccer player for the Vancouver 86ers and later worked for the Canucks.
Celebrini’s older brother, Aiden, was also drafted by the Vancouver Canucks and played alongside Macklin at Boston University. Macklin is of Croatian ancestry and currently lives with San Jose Sharks alumni Joe Thornton. His early exposure to competitive hockey in both Canada and the United States helped shape his development into a top prospect.
Path to Hockey
Celebrini advanced through notable youth programs, including Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, where he scored 50 goals and 67 assists in 52 games. He then signed with the Chicago Steel of the USHL for the 2022–23 season. In his first USHL season, Celebrini led the league with 86 points, the highest ever by an under-17 player. He earned multiple awards including Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Forward of the Year, becoming the first player to win all three in a single season.
He committed to Boston University for the 2023–24 season, joining his brother Aiden. Celebrini quickly made an impact in college hockey, leading to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. His rapid ascent through junior and collegiate ranks established him as one of the most promising young players in hockey.
Macklin Celebrini Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
Celebrini’s first major exposure came in the USHL with the Chicago Steel during the 2022–23 season. His record-setting 86 points and multiple awards highlighted his dominance at the junior level. This success earned him a spot at Boston University for the 2023–24 NCAA season, where he continued to excel as a freshman.
At Boston University, Celebrini recorded 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games. His outstanding performance earned him the Hockey East Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Scoring Champion, and the Hobey Baker Award, making him the youngest player ever to win the prestigious collegiate honor.
San Jose Sharks Era (2024–Present)
Selected first overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks, Celebrini signed a three-year entry-level contract. He made an immediate impact in his NHL debut on October 10, 2024, scoring a goal and an assist. Throughout the 2024–25 season, he led all NHL forwards in puck battle wins per game and scored his first NHL hat trick in April 2025, becoming the first rookie to do so that season.
Celebrini finished his rookie season with 63 points in 70 games, tying for second in rookie scoring and earning a finalist spot for the Calder Memorial Trophy. Early in the 2025–26 season, he briefly led the NHL in scoring, joining an elite group of players with his pace. His dynamic offensive skills and ability to perform in clutch moments have made him a key player for the Sharks.
Driving Style and Strengths
Celebrini is known for his strong puck battles, offensive creativity, and scoring ability. His skill set includes excellent vision, quick hands, and a high hockey IQ. He combines physicality with finesse, making him effective in various game situations. His partnership with the Sharks’ coaching staff has helped refine his game at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Celebrini’s historic achievements include becoming the youngest Hobey Baker Award winner and the first rookie with a hat trick in the 2024–25 NHL season. His rapid rise through junior, collegiate, and professional ranks marks him as one of hockey’s brightest young stars.
Macklin Celebrini Career Wins
Celebrini’s career highlights include leading the USHL in scoring and winning multiple awards in his debut season, excelling at Boston University with numerous honors, and making an immediate impact in the NHL with notable scoring milestones and rookie accolades.
USHL Highlights
During the 2022–23 USHL season with the Chicago Steel, Celebrini posted 86 points, the highest ever by an under-17 player. He earned Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Forward of the Year honors, becoming only the second player to win all three awards in a single season.
NCAA Highlights
In his freshman year at Boston University, Celebrini scored 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games. He won the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top collegiate player, becoming the youngest recipient in history.
NHL Highlights
In his rookie NHL season, Celebrini scored 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games. He recorded his first NHL hat trick and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. He was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Macklin Celebrini Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Celebrini’s father, Rick, was a professional soccer player and later worked in sports medicine and performance for the Vancouver Canucks and Golden State Warriors. His older brother, Aiden, is also a professional hockey player drafted by the Vancouver Canucks. The family has a strong athletic background and Croatian heritage.
Personal Life
Macklin Celebrini grew up in a sports-oriented family and currently resides with former San Jose Sharks player Joe Thornton. He maintains close ties with his brother and has been supported by his family’s involvement in professional sports throughout his development.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 NHL season, Celebrini continued to demonstrate his elite scoring ability, briefly leading the league in points early in the season. He recorded multiple multi-point games, including hat tricks, and solidified his role as a key offensive player for the San Jose Sharks. His performance has generated high expectations for his continued development and impact on the team.
Celebrini’s chemistry with teammates and adaptation to the NHL pace have been praised by coaches and analysts. His trajectory suggests he will be a cornerstone player for the Sharks in upcoming seasons, with potential for further individual awards and team success.