Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini gives a great message ahead of the first game against Sidney Crosby

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini showed his appreciation for Sidney Crosby ahead of his first game against the Penguins legend. The number one overall pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft is struggling with injuries in his young career. Despite early health issues, Celebrini will check something off his bucket list by playing against his idol in his seventh career match. The North Vancouver native become honest on the importance of confronting Crosby to NHL reporter for the Score Sean O’Leary.

“He (Crosby) has been the face of the league for so long that it doesn’t even feel real. We grew up getting his jersey and getting his sticks. I always wanted to be like him and watch his highlights, so I couldn’t be more excited to actually play against him now. He is one of the best players to ever play the game. I mean, the pace he’s still keeping now, the way he’s producing and playing now, you could say he’s still at the top of his game. He hasn’t lost anything. I couldn’t be happier to play against him.”

Macklin Celebrini’s shaky start could still lead to an iconic career

Celebrini’s comments about Sidney Crosby is completely accurate. The icon writes history every time he laces up the skates. Despite being 37 years old, “Sid the Kid” still plays much younger than his age. In nineteen games this season, Crosby has recorded eighteen points with six goals and twelve assists. Based on his recent form, it doesn’t look like the Canadian icon will be retiring anytime soon.

Celebrini, on the other hand, is only just starting his career. The 18-year-old became the youngest recipient of the Hobey Baker Award in 2024 as the NCAA’s top collegiate hockey player before declaring for the draft. After one great training camp with the Sharks, Celebrini was ready to start in San Jose. Despite the slow start due to health issues, Macklin has recorded four points in his six games in the NHL.

With the Sharks regaining the face of their young core, the franchise will look to break the last place in the Pacific Division. San Jose has just 13 points in 18 games, which puts them in second-to-last place in the entire NHL. While there are still plenty of games left, the Sharks will have to get their act together quickly if they want to surpass last year’s total. And 47 points isn’t exactly a successful season for a franchise that made the playoffs fourteen out of fifteen years in the early 2000s.

Overall, San Jose is in the rebuilding phase. Since Celebrini and the rest of the roster haven’t made the play-offs since 2018-2019, it’s a work in progress. Still, a win on Saturday against Pittsburgh would do a lot for the 18-year-old and the franchise’s overall confidence.