Macklin Celebrini’s Impressive Campaign Paying Off With Olympic Bid

To say that Celebrini is having the best season of his career at any level would be an understatement, especially compared to his peers. The 19-year-old has kept pace with some of the best in the game all season long, especially when it comes to production. Celebrini’s 62 points through 40 games played in 2025-26 are the third-most among all skaters this season behind Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. 

The jury is still out on whether Celebrini can keep up this level of performance for a full season, but it’s looking like he might just be able to. His ability to perform at such a high level is a big reason why he was named to Team Canada in the first place, which is a great sign of things to come for the country. Given that Celebrini will be teammates with both McDavid and MacKinnon in Italy, it’ll be great for the game of hockey to see such talented players take the ice together.

Celebrini Has Cemented Himself As The Superstar The Sharks Need

The San Jose Sharks find themselves in the thick of the playoff race heading into the new year, a place they haven’t been in a few years. The team hasn’t made the postseason since 2019 and currently holds the fourth-longest playoff drought in the NHL. That looks to be a thing of the past if Celebrini has anything to say about it, with the team holding their own against teams looking to compete for a Stanley Cup come late April. 

The 19-year-old has been part of quite a few big wins for the Sharks in 2025-26, with his latest contributions coming in Wednesday’s clash with the Minnesota Wild. Celebrini, who leads the team in all major offensive categories, led the way for San Jose with a goal and an assist during the contest before scoring the shootout winner.

Celebrini’s ability to produce in big games has been well-documented throughout the season, and it’ll only improve as he continues to develop his game. There’s a lot of pressure on the young player to bring playoff hockey back to Northern California, and he might just be able to do it if the team stays on track.

A Youth Movement Is Forming Across The NHL

Celebrini is perhaps the most exciting young talent in the NHL right now, but he’s far from the only. Connor Bedard and Lane Hutson are among the young stars proving that the league will be in good hands for a long time, making it an exciting time to be a hockey fan. Both of the young superstars brings something different to the table, which is part of what makes them so exciting. 

Bedard had the Chicago Blackhawks in a great spot before his injury, which has kept him out since December 12th, and was trending to make the Olympic roster. The 20-year-old’s ability to score has revolutionized a Chicago offense that was historically lacking in that department after the departure of some key veterans. His return can’t come soon enough for the Blackhawks, and if their play is any indication, the team feels the same. 

On the other hand, Hutson has added a much-needed offensive boost for the Montreal Canadiens. The 2024-25 Calder Trophy winner picked up right where he left off last season with 38 points in 39 games, leading his team in assists with 33. Hutson’s ability to move the puck has greatly improved the Canadiens’ offense, and fans can see that thanks to the team’s third-place standing in the Atlantic Division. Hutson could find himself making his own Olympic debut come February, and fans will find out if he’ll be joining the Americans during Friday’s roster announcement.

End Of My Macklin Celebrini Rant

Celebrini has created a lot of buzz within the NHL over the past year or so, and the hype just keeps getting bigger as he continues to perform. His recent growth in his second year in the league hasn’t gone unnoticed by many, and it’s cool to see him get the recognition he deserves by being named to the Canadian Olympic roster. 

There’s no doubt that the young superstar will continue to shine as he furthers his NHL career. Fans could be watching the future of one of the greatest players of a generation unfold in front of their eyes, and if that isn’t something to celebrate, I don’t know what is.