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McDavid’s Great, But Celebrini Is the Real Olympic Star

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 9:20 AM ET

It’s expected that the best players will be the best players at the Olympics. Sidney Crosby was rightfully named captain, has been productive, and is missed now that he’s sidelined (for hopefully not long). Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon have been all-world and no one is really surprised by that either.

But the real surprise has been Macklin Celebrini. At just 19, he’s not just good; he’s been arguably the best player in the tournament. He makes every shift exciting and it’s not hard to see he’s arrived.

Macklin Celebrini Has Been Everywhere

Celebrini’s been everywhere. He’s on the scoresheet, all over the ice, making plays like he’s been there and done this before. The youngster is only 19, but he doesn’t look like he’s barely much more than a rookie and he skates like he’s got a decade of NHL experience under his belt. He led all forwards in ice time on Friday as Team Canada clawed back to beat Team Finland. It was Celebrini as one of the go-to guys, along with McDavid and MacKinnon.

Teammates on Team Canada and players around the NHL are legit impressed, shaking their heads at how this teenager is hanging with (and sometimes outshining) the big dogs.

McDavid noted:

“I can’t say enough good things about that kid. He’s so, so impressive. At 19 years old, he’s a great young player, but not just because he’s so good with the puck but just all the little things he does, the hard work he puts into the game. He’s good along the wall, wins battles, plays just a hard game. An impressive kid.”

MacKinnon added, “I mean, he’s the truth. He’s going to be the best player in this league for a long time.” Sam Bennett noted: “Ice in his veins. It’s awesome to see a young guy with that much confidence.” As per Mitch Marner, “not afraid of the big moments” and has been “so clutch” for the team.

Maple Leafs Players Weigh in on Celebrini

In a post this morning, Toronto Sun’s Terry Koshan wrote about Celebrini’s breakout performance at the 2026 Olympics and compiled a composite of what Maple Leafs players have been saying about him (Koshan, Toronto Sun, Feb. 20, 2026).

John Tavares put it simply: “He just looks so comfortable with who he is as a player.” And it shows. Celebrini isn’t skating around trying not to screw up—he’s confident, decisive, and making plays like he’s done it a hundred times. Lining up with stars like McDavid and MacKinnon, he’s not just there for the ride—he’s shaping the game.

Celebrini Puts Up Big Moments and Big Plays

In Canada’s 3-2 win over Finland, Celebrini led the team with eight shots on goal and set up MacKinnon’s OT winner. Just having him on the ice seems to make things happen. Tavares even said, “Everywhere he goes, things just kind of happen.”

The question is “How can a teenager actually influence a game at this level?” Who knows? But Celebrini can do just that.

And the numbers back it up. In Milan, he’s got 10 points in five games—five goals, five assists—second in scoring only to McDavid. At 19, facing the best players in the world, that’s amazing. His hockey IQ, quick decisions, and puck-handling make him look like a pro already.

Celebrini Has Skills That Make You Watch More Closely

Bobby McMann noticed something else, too: “The part that’s great to me is how well-developed he is with his spatial awareness.” That’s something even NHL veterans spend years fine-tuning. Celebrini just seems to have it naturally.

Add his confidence level, solid positioning, and the poise he shows under fire, and suddenly you’ve got a player who’s willing to try stuff that most first-year players would never dare. You just don’t see teenagers this composed and sharp out there. He’s pumping confidence, his skills are off the charts, he’s aware of everyone around him, always finds the open lane or the right angle, and when things get intense, he doesn’t flinch—he’s calm as hell and makes it look easy.

That NHL Players Are Noticing Celebrini Is the Highest Praise of All

NHL guys are already taking notice, fans can’t look away, and honestly, if you’re watching him play, it’s obvious. Celebrini is not some hyped prospect with “potential.” This is the kind of guy who makes you stop what you’re doing just to see what he’ll do next with the puck.

If he keeps rolling like this, who knows how great his NHL career is gonna get once he’s there full-time.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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