### The Rise of Macklin Celebrini: A New Star in the NHL
**STOCKHOLM** – The hockey world is buzzing about rising superstar Macklin Celebrini, and veteran player Nathan MacKinnon is taking notice. Celebrini, an 18-year-old forward for the San Jose Sharks and the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft, has caught MacKinnon’s attention after just 70 games in the NHL.
### MacKinnon’s High Praise
MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche forward and himself a No. 1 pick from the 2013 NHL Draft, has been vocal about Celebrini’s impressive start. At the 2025 IIHF World Championship, MacKinnon remarked, “I have no advice for him. He is a pro. He is miles ahead of where I was at 18, mentally.” This endorsement from an established player underscores Celebrini’s maturity and exceptional skills, setting the stage for a promising career.
### Celebrini’s Impact and Potential
Celebrini has quickly made a mark in the league, netting 63 points this season—comprising 25 goals and 38 assists. His statistics are impressive, especially for a rookie, and he is a finalist for the coveted 2025 Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top rookie. His ability to stand out while skating alongside seasoned professionals is a testament to his talent and dedication.
### Learning from the Best
For Celebrini, the experience of playing with and learning from superstars like Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon has been invaluable. He credits his rapid development to the knowledge gained from these seasoned players: “It’s everything. It’s just being around them—playing with them, going to dinner with them. Learning from the best has definitely contributed to my growth,” he shared enthusiastically.
### An Ultra-Competitive Spirit
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky has been equally impressed, noting Celebrini’s “ultra-competitive and extremely self-driven” nature. He further expressed admiration for Celebrini’s leadership capabilities: “He’s a special, special young man. He’s the type of guy that you want him to marry your daughter and then run you right through the wall on the ice.” This blend of character and competitiveness has elevated his game and resonated with his teammates.
### Recognizing a Challenging Season
While the Sharks’ overall performance this season has been challenging—they finished last in the NHL with just 52 points—Celebrini’s emergence offers a glimpse of hope for the franchise. Coach Warsofsky believes that working alongside greats like Crosby and MacKinnon is bound to help Celebrini develop further. “You learn from the best. Sid’s been a captain in this league and has won in this league. You can go up and down that (Canada) lineup with older guys who know how to play in certain situations,” he noted.
### A Bright Future Ahead
Celebrini’s achievements as a rookie reflect not only personal skill but also the benefits of mentorship from the likes of MacKinnon and Crosby, who have had storied careers in their own right. MacKinnon’s MVP accolades and Stanley Cup triumphs complement Crosby’s three Stanley Cups and numerous individual awards, setting a high bar for any young player.
### Crosby’s Reassurance
Crosby himself has offered encouragement, stating, “He loves the game, loves to compete. He cares about every facet of the game.” His words reaffirm that Celebrini is on a promising path, with a focus that many young athletes struggle to develop.
### The Road Ahead
With the Sharks poised to select second overall in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, the future looks bright for both the organization and Celebrini. His ongoing association with hockey icons, combined with his inherent talent and drive, positions him as a pivotal player for the Sharks.
