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The Numbers Say Celebrini Is the NHL’s Next Superstar

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Mar 15, 2026 1:56 PM ET

If you’ve been watching the Sharks this year, you already know Macklin Celebrini—but if you haven’t, it’s time to take notice. He’s a feast for any hockey fan’s eyes.

If you have been watching the Sharks this year, you know the name Celebrini very well indeed. But what he’s doing this season is something else entirely. And remember, this guy’s still only a teenager. On Saturday, he scored two goals and added an assist in a 4–2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. By doing so, he kept his eight-game point streak alive.

Even better, it’s not only the points piling up. It’s how he’s controlling his line, owning shifts, and basically making something happen every time he hops over the boards.

Celebrini Has Become a Point Machine on the Move.

Sixty-two games in, Celebrini’s sitting on 96 points: 35 goals, 58 assists. For a 19-year-old in year two, that’s ridiculous production. He hit the 90-point mark faster than almost every other teen who’s ever played in the league—only Crosby and Gretzky did it quicker. That’s some seriously elite company to be keeping.

And the best thing is that he’s the Energizer Bunny. He’s skating nonstop, hunting the puck, reading plays, creating chances, and helping everyone around him look better. He doesn’t wait for magic; he goes and makes it happen. He is absolutely carrying his team and winning at the same time.

Celebrini Is the Key to the Sharks Circling Their NHL Prey.

Here’s a stat that really has to jump out for NHL fans. Celebrini has 49 more points than San Jose’s next-highest scorer. That’s a career season for most NHL regular players. But 49 points higher than any other Sharks player is almost unbelievable.

He’s not just leading the team; he’s almost shouldering the entire Sharks’ offence. And somehow, he’s absolutely thriving under that pressure. He looks unstoppable on the ice—confidence shining through every shift.

His even-strength game has improved, and he’s showing his ability to make smart decisions all over the ice. The defensive awareness, pace, and control he shows game after game usually only come with many more seasons in the league. Last season, on a struggling Sharks squad, he finished minus-31; this year, he’s plus-six. That’s a huge swing. It only shows his tremendous growth.

Celebrini Is Learning to Win, Not Just Score

The other thing that stands out is how he’s evolving beyond just putting points on the board. Celebrini is starting to figure out the little things that make a difference in games. He’s elite at managing the puck, staying defensively responsible, and anticipating how the play will unfold. He’s showing what separates good young scorers from those who become franchise cornerstones. He’s both chasing numbers and learning how to help San Jose win.

For the Sharks, this is exactly the kind of season you dream about in a rebuild. Celebrini is showing he can carry a team offensively, keep his head up, and handle responsibility like a seasoned pro. If he keeps this up, the Sharks won’t just have a bright future—they’ll have a guy who could be the heart of it for years.

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

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