Sharks sign No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini

Field Level Media|published: Sun 7th July, 24:17 2024

Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; San Jose Sharks 1st overall pick Macklin Celebrini looks on in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The San Jose Sharks signed No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini to an entry-level contract on Saturday.

"Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident and intelligent young man off of it," Sharks general manager Mike Grier said of the 18-year-old. "His combination of skills and hockey sense is rare, and we are extremely confident that he is ready to make the transition to being a full-time NHL player. We could not be more excited to have Macklin locked in to formally join the Sharks organization for the 2024-25 season."

Drafted on June 28, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound center collected a plethora of awards during his one-year stint at Boston University, where he helped the Terriers reach the NCAA Frozen Four.

Celebrini became the youngest recipient of the Hobey Baker Award -- given to the top college hockey player -- after tallying 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 38 games last season for Boston. Only three other collegiate players had previously compiled a season of at least 30 goals and 30 assists.

His 1.68 points per game were second in the NCAA behind his Terriers teammate Will Smith (1.73). Celebrini also earned multiple freshman awards, including National Rookie of the Year.

Representing Canada at this year's World Junior Championship, Celebrini led the team with eight points (four goals, four assists) over five games. He helped Canada win bronze at the 2023 U-18 World Junior Championship.

--Field Level Media