Macklin Celebrini is off to San Jose after the Sharks took the Boston University freshman with the first pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday.
The 18-year-old forward enters the NHL after a successful collegiate season with 32 goals and as many assists in 38 games. He became the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player. Celebrini also won the Tim Taylor Award, which is given to the best freshman in NCAA Division I college hockey.
“It’s just a surreal feeling,” Celebrini said after he was chosen. “I’ve dreamed about this moment ever since I was a kid, and for it to come true, it’s just an amazing feeling.”
The highly touted prospect has strong family ties to sports. His father, Rick Celebrini, a former member of Canada’s U-20 national soccer team, is the VP of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors. He held similar jobs with the NHL’s Canucks and MLS’ Whitecaps in Vancouver, where Macklin was born.
When the family moved to the Bay Area in 2018, Macklin was able to observe how professionals like Steph Curry and Draymond Green honed their craft.
After his son was drafted, Rick Celebrini told ESPN his son off the ice was “very relaxed and chill and thoughtful and kind. But as soon as he steps on the ice he changes into competitive, snarling, aggressive.”
Macklin Celebrini has the option of returning to school, though, as the No. 1 pick, it is unlikely. There is no official deadline for when he needs to decide, according to a Boston University men’s ice hockey spokesperson.
The Sharks won the NHL Draft lottery after they finished with the worst record in the NHL at 19-54-9. In addition to picking first, the Sharks acquired the No. 11 pick in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday in exchange for the 14th and 42nd picks.
The two-day draft is being held at The Sphere in Las Vegas and marks the first foray into sports for the venue, run by Knicks, Rangers and MSG owner James Dolan.
