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In May, Macklin Celebrini entered the Canadian men’s world hockey championship dressing room, visibly impressed.
The young prodigy’s designated spot, complete with his nameplate, was deliberately positioned between those of Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. Later that summer, Celebrini participated in several skating workouts with Crosby and MacKinnon.
“They treated me exceptionally well,” the San Jose Sharks attacker commented, referring to the pair of prominent players. “Simply being in their presence, observing two icons, witnessing their demeanor and daily routines. They were two individuals I admired throughout my upbringing; quite remarkable.”
Celebrini might soon experience another surreal occasion, competing with Crosby and MacKinnon at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The nineteen-year-old center held the third position in NHL scoring this season, accumulating 43 points (comprising 15 goals and 28 assists) across 31 games before Wednesday’s matches—an extraordinary beginning that has firmly brought him to the attention of Canada’s hockey management, who are evaluating a wealth of attacking skill.
Despite this, Celebrini is concentrating diligently on the everyday aspects of his sophomore professional season.
“For any child raised in Canada, it’s both an objective and an aspiration,” Celebrini stated on Wednesday regarding the Olympics, following San Jose’s practice session at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. “I cannot influence their choices or actions, but membership on that squad would represent an immense privilege.”
The top selection from the 2024 draft has consistently excelled at accumulating points across all competitive tiers, yet it is his comprehensive style of play that has particularly distinguished him and led to his current recognition.
“He is arguably among our most physically assertive forwards in the defensive zone’s lower areas,” observed Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky. “This represents significant development for him. Furthermore, competing at the world championships alongside those seasoned players has taught him that it’s sometimes acceptable not to control the puck or make a decisive play on every turn.”
Host Karissa Donkin and The Athletic’s Hailey Salvian weigh in on which of the three up and coming Canadian stars could make the men’s hockey team in Milano Cortina 2026.
Faces Maple Leafs on Thursday
“He is beginning to grasp this concept.”
Celebrini endeavors to disregard the talk surrounding Olympic team selections for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, yet it became unavoidable as the Sharks traveled through Toronto for their Thursday game against the Maple Leafs.
“I attempt to avoid social media platforms,” he mentioned. “Everyone is entitled to their viewpoints and beliefs, and that’s fine, but the sheer volume is overwhelming.”
Celebrini has additionally been observing Connor Bedard, a native of North Vancouver, B.C., who is also building a strong case for inclusion on the Canadian team, having amassed 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 29 appearances for Chicago.
“It’s wonderful to witness his considerable achievements,” Celebrini remarked. “And the manner in which he is elevating that franchise.”
San Jose winger Tyler Toffoli noted that Celebrini’s dedication to effort, combined with his natural talent, distinguishes him from the majority of other athletes.
“He consistently injects vigor into every game,” the seasoned forward declared. “Beyond his scoring contributions, he also performs the subtle actions that yield significant impact.”
Ryan Reaves, the Sharks’ enforcer, commented that Celebrini, who recorded 63 points during his rookie year, always plays with integrity and never takes shortcuts in the game.
Host Karissa Donkin is joined by Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong as he breaks down his outlook on selecting the men’s Olympic roster for Milano Cortina 2026.
Willingness to learn
“Occasionally, particularly with the current generation, players might surrender possession, then loop around, positioning themselves behind the opposition’s defense anticipating a breakaway opportunity,” Reaves explained. “That approach isn’t characteristic of his play. He rapidly slows down, returns to the play, engages in backchecking, and competes fiercely in the corners.”
Warsofsky indicated that Celebrini’s receptiveness to instruction and coaching has significantly contributed to his progress following a single season at Boston University in the NCAA.
“He doesn’t possess an ‘all-knowing’ mindset,” Warsofsky remarked. “He exhibits profound humility in how he conducts his affairs. He has benefited from excellent mentors, ranging from [Sharks icons] Patrick Marleau to [Joe Thornton].”
“At times, it extends beyond mere hockey abilities; it involves ‘how one approaches leadership duties?’ I am certain he gained considerable insight from Sid concerning that. I am also confident he acquired knowledge from MacKinnon regarding specific facets. This quality is what elevates exceptional athletes across all sports. My praise for him is boundless.”
Consequently, does Celebrini evoke similarities to any particular individual for him?
“He possesses many traits akin to Sid; he also exhibits some of Nate MacKinnon’s competitive drive,” Warsofsky declared. “Ultimately, however, Mac is his own person. And we intend to allow him to develop into himself.”
Meanwhile, Celebrini has not permitted himself to contemplate taking the ice in Milan when Canada competes in its initial Olympic match in twelve years on February 12th. Furthermore, he views neither the rebuilding Sharks’ respectable 14-14-3 record nor his remarkable personal statistics as anything beyond a natural progression.
“I have faith in myself,” Celebrini affirmed. “I trust in my capabilities and the effort I invest. I cannot claim to be astonished or to hold a different sentiment.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly spoke Wednesday about the upcoming Winter Olympics and took questions on their views on the state of the venue, the ice and what they expect. Bettman said he thinks the global event is good for hockey but added it remains ‘disappointing’ that the hockey building is not complete.
