Sharks place top overall pick Macklin Celebrini on IR

Field Level Media|published: Sat 12th October, 14:07 2024

Oct 10, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) chases after the puck during the second period against the St. Louis Blues at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

San Jose Sharks rookie forward Macklin Celebrini was placed on injured reserve Saturday, several hours before the team's game against the visiting Anaheim Ducks.

Celebrini did not participate in practice on Friday because of a lower-body injury, one day after he made history in his NHL debut. He recorded a goal and an assist in the Sharks' 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.

The goal came 7:01 into the game, when he tried a pass from the right circle to teammate William Eklund in the slot. The puck deflected off Blues defenseman Matt Kessel's leg and went past goaltender Joel Hofer.

It was the second-fastest goal for a No. 1 overall pick in his debut, bested only by Mario Lemieux's tally 2:59 into his first game for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Celebrini is the sixth-youngest player, at 18 years, 119 days, to score in his NHL debut.

He added his first assist to Tyler Toffoli at the 17:14 mark of the first period.

Celebrini collected a plethora of awards during his one-year stint at Boston University, where he helped the Terriers reach the NCAA Frozen Four.

The 18-year-old became the youngest recipient of the Hobey Baker Award -- given to the top college hockey player -- after collecting 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 38 games last season.

Also Saturday, the Sharks recalled defenseman Jack Thompson from the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League.

Thompson, 22, has yet to record a point in three career NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Sharks.

--Field Level Media