Oilers Facing Challenge When Facing Sharks Macklin Celebrini

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins might not be one to hand out compliments lightly, but when it comes to Macklin Celebrini, he’s got nothing but respect. The Edmonton Oilers forward called the San Jose Sharks’ rising star “extremely difficult” to play against — and that’s saying something, coming from a guy who’s faced plenty of elite competition in his career.

Why Is Celebrini So Tough to Play Against?

So what makes Celebrini so tricky? Nugent-Hopkins breaks it down. First, Celebrini has skill — he skates well, handles the puck with confidence, and sees plays develop before most of us even notice them. But it’s more than that. What separates him from the pack, according to Nugent-Hopkins, is his compete level.

Celebrini’s everywhere on the ice, competing in all three zones, and he does it night after night. It’s one thing to flash a bit of skill in summer skates or on TV highlights. It’s another to carry that into real, live hockey against NHL pros and make a tangible impact. Celebrini has managed that, and it shows in the way he plays.

Celebrini Makes Life Tough for Any NHL Team.

Nugent-Hopkins knows it won’t be easy for the Oilers. Facing a player like Celebrini is a challenge — “obviously,” he says — but it’s a challenge they’re ready to meet. Preparation matters, of course. You can watch tape, take notes, anticipate tendencies, and try to neutralize skill with strategy. But at the end of the day, some of it comes down to raw effort. Celebrini’s style forces opponents to compete as hard as he does. Miss a step, make a mental lapse, and he’ll capitalize.

For the Oilers, it’s a chance to measure themselves against one of the league’s more promising young forwards. For fans, it’s a glimpse of what’s next in San Jose’s rebuild — a player who isn’t just scoring points but is also shaping games with his work ethic. And for Celebrini himself, it’s another reminder that skill plus relentless effort is a combination that demands attention.

The Oilers Will Be Ready for the Sharks.

In the end, Nugent-Hopkins’ message is simple: “It’s a challenge, but we’ll be ready.” And that’s the right attitude when you’re facing a guy who’s proving, night after night, that he belongs at the top of the NHL conversation. The Oilers will do their homework, try to slow him down, but they’ll also get a firsthand look at exactly why Celebrini is already turning heads.