Sharks Sign Macklin Celebrini to Entry-Level Contract

 It’s official: the Sharks’ 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini has signed his entry-level contract and will be playing in the NHL next season. 

Celebrini needs little introduction. He is hailed as the next face of the franchise for the Sharks, dominating college hockey at Boston University last season in his freshman year as a 17-year old to win the Hobey Baker Award for top college hockey player. In addition, Celebrini performed exceptionally well during the Sharks development camp and prospect scrimmage earlier this week. He will more than likely begin next season as the Sharks’ second-line or third-line center and eventually work his way up to the top forward line. 

On a side note, Sharks defenseman Ty Emberson is one of 14 restricted free agents in the NHL that have elected salary arbitration, in which arbitration hearings will occur in a few weeks to determine Emberson’s next salary. 

Although there was some initial uncertainty surrounding where Macklin Celebrini would be playing next season, it was expected all along that he would sign his ELC this summer, and he made the right decision. I also feel that jumping from one year of college hockey straight to the NHL is best for the development of the Sharks’ future superstar, and Celebrini has nothing left to prove in the NCAA. I can totally see Macklin Celebrini and possibly Will Smith being the front-runners for the Calder Trophy next season, and Sharks hockey has instantly become a lot more exciting than it has been for the past five years. I couldn’t be more hyped and optimistic for the next several seasons of San Jose Sharks hockey, and this was the moment we’ve all been waiting for to cap off what has been an excellent offseason for Team Teal. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, San Jose Sharks via Instagram 

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