San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, the top overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is undergoing evaluation for a lower-body injury. As a result, he missed the team's practice on Friday, raising concerns about his availability for the Sharks' upcoming game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Earn $20 an hour listening to Spotify
Injury Concerns Linger
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that Celebrini’s status for Saturday’s game remains uncertain. The rookie forward has been dealing with a persistent lower-body injury throughout training camp and the preseason, but further details on the current situation have not been disclosed.
Impressive NHL Debut
Despite the injury setbacks, Celebrini made an immediate impact in his NHL debut on Thursday during San Jose's 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues. He etched his name into the history books, scoring his first NHL goal just 7:01 into the game. Attempting a pass from the right circle intended for teammate William Eklund, the puck deflected off Blues defenseman Matt Kessel and slipped past goaltender Joel Hofer.
This goal marked the second-fastest by a No. 1 draft pick in their debut, surpassed only by Mario Lemieux, who scored 2:59 into his first NHL game for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Celebrini, who is eighteen years and 120 days old, also made history by being the sixth-youngest footballer with a goal in his debut.
Adding to the Scoreboard
Later in the first period, Celebrini recorded his first NHL assist, contributing to Tyler Toffoli's goal at the 17:14 mark. His quick success underscores the high expectations surrounding the young talent, who has already begun to demonstrate his playmaking abilities on the professional stage.
Celebrini's Exceptional College Career
Prior to joining the Sharks, Celebrini had a standout season at Boston University, amassing 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in just 38 games. The coveted Hobey Baker Award, which is given yearly to the best men's college hockey player in the NCAA, was won by him at the age of 17, making him the youngest winner in history. His college performance solidified his status as a future NHL star, with his transition to the league already showing early promise.
Outlook for the Sharks
As the Sharks await further updates on Celebrini’s condition, they are hopeful he will make a swift return. His immediate impact in the lineup has already given the team a glimpse of his immense potential, but his health remains a priority as the season progresses.
Comments