Macklin Celebrini knows his future will most likely be with the San Jose Sharks, who hold the first selection in the next draft, but he is in no rush to make the jump to the National Hockey League.
For now, the 17-year-old – he turns 18 on Thursday – has just celebrated a successful first season with Boston University in the NCAA and is considering staying there.
“There is no shame or harm in taking your time to improve yourself a little more,” said Celebrini during the pre-auction combine on Friday, reiterating that he had not ruled out a second season in the NCAA. I feel like one more year would be beneficial to allow me to be ready physically, to make sure I’m fit and strong enough. »
Besides who gets picked second, with consensus split between Michigan State University defenseman Artyom Levshunov and Medicine Hat Tigers center Cayden Lindstrom, Celebrini’s plans for next season represent the biggest question mark ahead the draft, which begins June 28 in Las Vegas.
Celebrini is the projected top pick by NHL Central Scouting. Sharks general manager Mike Grier also announced his intentions to select him just after the NHL lottery last month.
“It’s a great hockey moment for the organization and the fans here to have this opportunity to pick someone like Macklin,” Grier said. And the second-year GM didn’t change his mind in praising the player when asked about Celebrini earlier in the week on the sidelines of the combine.
At 6 feet, 190 pounds, Celebrini won the Hobey-Baker Trophy as the nation’s top college player. He finished second with 32 goals and third with 64 points in 38 games.
Another positive for the Sharks rebuild is that Celebrini is California-bound. Although he is originally from North Vancouver, British Columbia, his father, Rick, is the Vice President of Player Health and Performance for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
But despite a successful interview and her ties to the region, Celebrini takes nothing for granted.
“At the end of the day, you never know what’s going to happen, and I don’t want to look too far ahead,” he said. So for now I’m just going to enjoy the last few days of the combine and enjoy this experience. »
The Chicago Blackhawks have the second selection. The Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens will speak next in order.
