Desharnais Praises Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini: ‘He’s Respectful and Talented’
During the start of the 2025-26 NHL season, Macklin Celebrini has emerged as a key player for the San Jose Sharks. His impressive performance on the ice has garnered praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Desharnais Praises Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini
Veteran defenseman Vincent Desharnais described Celebrini as “special,” emphasizing his character both on and off the ice. Desharnais stated, “He’s not an inconsiderate player. He genuinely seeks to improve every day and inspires the team.”
Celebrini’s Outstanding Performance
Celebrini recently scored a hat trick in a 3-2 overtime defeat of the Utah Mammoth. This marks his second hat trick of the season, following an impressive performance against the New York Rangers in October.
- First hat trick: October against the New York Rangers.
- Second hat trick: Recent game against the Utah Mammoth.
2024 NHL Draft and Rookie Success
The Sharks selected Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old center made a significant impact as a rookie, scoring 63 points through 25 goals and 38 assists.
In the ongoing season, Celebrini shows even greater promise. After 20 games, he has achieved 30 points, consisting of 13 goals and 17 assists. He is currently tied for second in league scoring, closely trailing Nathan MacKinnon’s 33 points and alongside superstar Connor McDavid.
Impact on Team Standing
Celebrini’s leadership has positively influenced the Sharks’ performance compared to last season. In 2024-25, the team faced a challenging season with a record of 20-50-12. This year, they have improved to a 9-8-3 record and are only two points shy of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
If Celebrini can maintain his current level of play, he may help the Sharks return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season. His growing fan base is eager to see him lead the team toward a postseason run.
