As the men’s hockey tournament continues at the Winter Olympics, Team Canada has advanced to the semifinals on the strength of a star-studded lineup, but it’s not just the established players leading the charge.
In his first Olympics and just his second senior international tournament, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks has been one of the competition’s best players. At 19 years old, he continues to demonstrate his maturity and professionalism at the highest level.
Celebrini Starring With the World’s Best
Four Sharks are participating in the Olympics, but Celebrini has been outstanding on the toughest roster to crack. He leads the tournament in goals with five and ranks second in points with nine (behind his linemate Connor McDavid) through four games.
His performance is not a surprise, but rather proof of his abilities. He scored a goal in his first Olympic game, a logical progression from someone who also scored in his junior debut, college debut and NHL debut.
At every level of his career, he’s proved he can compete and excel against any opponent. Now, after working his way through the Canadian national system and making his first senior appearance at last season’s World Championships, he’s one of the top performers at a tournament specifically designed to showcase the best players on the planet, all before turning 20.
In the NHL, Celebrini has demonstrated his maturity by carrying the Sharks into playoff contention for the first time since 2018-19. He’s no longer just a great player on a bad team, but he can carry a team on his shoulders.
Celebrini Could Draw Big Names to Sharks
The Olympics are an opportunity for Celebrini to play alongside and connect with other NHLers. None of his Team Canada teammates play for the Sharks, but this tournament could be an opportunity to change that.
Superstars like McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby have praised Celebrini’s maturity and play. His talent, combined with his youth, is making an impression around the league and the world. It’s possible that other star players will want to team up with Celebrini in San Jose soon. It might not happen immediately, given that the Sharks are still in transition, but as the front office tries to attract players rather than sell them off, Celebrini will be a central part of the pitch to bring players on.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Playing for your country is a singular experience, but NHL players know the playoffs are not far off before the season ends. Plenty of Olympians will be free agents soon enough, and Celebrini’s performance should be on their minds when considering their options.
Celebrini’s Next Step Is the Playoffs
Even at this early stage in his career, Celebrini has already participated in numerous notable tournaments. Now, he only has one left to check off his list: the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has spent most of his career playing beyond his years against older competition on big stages. The Olympics are the latest example of this. If the Sharks reach the playoffs, that would be another. He’s used every experience so far to build up his ability to handle pressure, and that should continue to yield tremendous benefits for the Sharks.
