Macklin Celebrini scored his first Olympic goal during Canada’s commanding 5-0 win over Czechia on Thursday, drawing strong praise for his impressive play alongside Connor McDavid and Tom Wilson. At just 19 years old, Celebrini’s performance sparked analyst Jason Bukala to compare him to NHL superstar Sidney Crosby, highlighting his readiness and maturity on the ice.
Speaking on Sportsnet 590 The Fan after the game, Bukala made a striking prediction about Celebrini’s future.
“All these guys, his teammates and pros, are saying that he’s mature, way beyond his years, and that he plays a pro-style game that is active. He’s always active. And he just plays the right way,” Bukala said.
“He’s the next coming of Sidney Crosby, in my estimation. And that’s great news for the San Jose Sharks. It’s obviously great news for Hockey Canada going forward. And I’m not hyperbolic here. This is going to be a coming out party for him, I think, a little bit. And I hope he continues on this trajectory for the next 10 days,” he added.
Why Celebrini Earned a Place on Canada’s Top Line
Celebrini became the youngest Canadian player to participate in an Olympic event featuring NHL talent, proving the decision to select him over seasoned veterans was well-founded. Positioned on the top line, he scored a crucial goal just before the first period ended, finishing off a flawless tip-in from Cale Makar’s assist.
His invitation to the Olympic roster followed an outstanding sophomore season with the San Jose Sharks, where he tallied 81 points over 55 games. These numbers rank him fourth in the NHL overall, with 28 goals leading his struggling franchise. This marked an 18-point increase compared to his rookie year, making him a key factor in the Sharks’ surprising run toward the playoffs.
“He wasn’t even on Team Canada’s radar at the start of the season but forced his way onto the roster through pure skill,” Bukala noted. “What we’re going to be able to see here is a lot of him, and I think this is going to be a coming out party for him.”
How Celebrini’s Skills Complement Canada’s Elite Lineup
Two years ago, Celebrini was competing at the World Juniors. Now he is trusted to center a powerful line with Connor McDavid and Tom Wilson, while receiving guidance from NHL star Nathan MacKinnon. Bukala offered insight into the line’s dynamic.
“The thing with that line, guys, is that the three of them put together, Celebrini is really efficient in small areas, like small area bursts to retrieve pucks or expose some quiet ice,” he explained.
“Like he came kind of off the right shoulder of the goaltender to come to that front there for the tip, he can kind of disappear and then get somewhere really quick. Obviously, McDavid is in transition, super fast and Wilson is just a hulking human being. So I like it. I like it a lot.”
Bukala also pointed out that while many NHL fans on the West Coast may have missed Celebrini’s rise, the Olympics provide a global stage for him to gain broader recognition.
Canada’s next game is against Switzerland, where Celebrini is expected to maintain his role on the top line alongside McDavid and Wilson.
Celebrini’s Impact and What Lies Ahead
Macklin Celebrini’s emergence as a potential franchise player excites both San Jose Sharks supporters and Hockey Canada fans. His unique blend of skill, maturity, and tenacity has already influenced Canada’s Olympic success and contributed significantly to his NHL team’s resurgence. The Olympics offer him a critical platform to establish himself as one of the top talents in hockey globally.
Should Celebrini continue on this development path, his presence will be transformative for Canadian hockey, adding new energy and leadership to the national team for years to come. His performances will be closely watched over the remaining Olympic games, with many anticipating this event as the moment he fully breaks out onto the world stage.
"He is the next coming of Sidney Crosby, and this is going to be a coming-out party for him."
Jason Bukala shares his thoughts on Macklin Celebrini's #Olympics debut and fit on Canada's top line with @ailishforfar and @jccuthbert.
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