Updated March 16, 2026
Celebrini Is a Generational Talent
Macklin Celebrini temporarily became the NHL's leading scorer early in the season, posting 23 points through 15 games — something only Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman had done before. The 19-year-old is on pace for 41 goals and 118 points, the kind of sophomore season that puts him in the Hart Trophy conversation.
One-Man Show on a Rebuilding Team
Celebrini has been directly involved in over 50% of the Sharks' goals this season. He returned from the Olympic break with 13 points in nine games, and his dominance is the sole reason San Jose's rebuilding season has any excitement at all. The Sharks rank 26th in the power rankings, but their future is blinding.
The Rebuild Has Its Cornerstone
After his unanimous All-Rookie Team selection last season and this year's historic production, Celebrini has established himself as the franchise player San Jose has been missing since the Joe Thornton era. Now the job is to surround him with complementary talent before his prime years start ticking away.