Macklin Celebrini Bio
Macklin Celebrini (born June 13, 2006) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a centre and alternate captain for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played college hockey for the Boston University Terriers. During his freshman season, he won the Hobey Baker Award, becoming the youngest player to win the award. Celebrini was selected first overall by the Sharks in the 2024 NHL entry draft and went on to finish as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s best rookie. Internationally, Celebrini has represented Canada multiple times, competing in the 2024 World Junior Championships and the 2025 IIHF World Championship, among others.
Early Life and Background
Macklin Celebrini was born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He spent much of his minor hockey career in Vancouver with the North Shore Winter Club until his family relocated to San Jose, California, due to his father’s job with the Golden State Warriors. Celebrini played for the San Jose Jr Sharks program during the 2019–20 season, showcasing his talent at a young age. His early exposure to hockey and the support from his family laid the groundwork for his future success in the sport.
Path to Hockey
Celebrini’s journey in hockey took a significant step forward when he signed with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2022–23 season. Prior to that, he had an impressive season at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, scoring 50 goals and 67 assists in just 52 games. His performance in the USHL was remarkable, as he led the league with 86 points, the most ever by an under-17 player in USHL history. Celebrini’s achievements included being named Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Forward of the Year, making him only the second player in USHL history to win all three awards in a single season.
Macklin Celebrini Career
Early Career (2024)
Macklin Celebrini was drafted first overall in the 2024 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sharks on July 6, 2024. Celebrini made his NHL debut on October 10, 2024, where he scored his first goal and recorded his first assist in a game against the St. Louis Blues. His performance in the early part of the season established him as a promising player in the league.
Breakthrough (2024-2025)
Celebrini’s breakthrough season continued as he led all NHL forwards in puck battle wins per game during the first half of the 2024–25 season. On April 9, 2025, he scored his first NHL hat trick against the Minnesota Wild, becoming the first rookie to achieve this feat in the 2024–25 season. Celebrini finished the season with 63 points in 70 games, tying for second in rookie points, and was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best rookie. He was also named to the league’s All-Rookie Team, solidifying his status as a rising star in the NHL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Celebrini’s signature work includes his outstanding performance during his freshman year at Boston University, where he recorded 32 goals and 64 points in just 38 games. His accolades during that season included the Hobey Baker Award, making him the youngest player to win this prestigious honor. His achievements in the NHL have also been notable, including his hat trick and his recognition as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Macklin Celebrini Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Macklin Celebrini has received several nominations, including being a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s best rookie in the 2024–25 season.
Macklin Celebrini Awards Won
Celebrini’s impressive accolades include winning the Hobey Baker Award during his freshman year at Boston University, making him the youngest recipient of this award. He has also received recognition for his outstanding performance in the USHL, where he was named Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Forward of the Year.
Macklin Celebrini Family
Macklin Celebrini comes from a family with a strong sports background. His father, Rick Celebrini, was a soccer player for the Vancouver 86ers and later worked for the Vancouver Canucks before joining the Golden State Warriors as their director of sports medicine and performance. Celebrini’s older brother, Aiden, was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL entry draft, and the two brothers played together for the Boston University Terriers during the 2023–2024 college season.
Personal Life
Macklin Celebrini grew up a fan of the Vancouver Canucks, his hometown team. He is currently living with San Jose Sharks alumni member Joe Thornton. Celebrini is of Croatian ancestry, reflecting a diverse cultural background that adds to his identity as a professional athlete.
