Macklin Celebrini’s Unlikely Move Raises Eyebrows - And Respect
In a league where games are often won on the margins - a stick here, a dive there, a well-timed embellishment - what Macklin Celebrini did on Thursday night was, frankly, stunning. And not because it was flashy. Quite the opposite.
The 19-year-old San Jose Sharks forward, already making waves as one of the NHL’s brightest young stars, found himself at the center of an unusual moment during a matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. After reacting to what looked like a high stick - his head snapped back in what appeared to be a textbook call - the referee’s arm went up. Power play for San Jose, right?
Not so fast.
Celebrini immediately waved off the officials, signaling that he hadn’t actually been hit. In essence, he tried to give the penalty back.
Let’s pause there. This is the NHL - a league where players routinely sell contact to draw penalties.
Where embellishment, while frowned upon, is often just part of the game. And here’s a teenager, in just his first season, trying to reverse a call that would’ve given his team a man advantage.
That’s not just rare - it’s almost unheard of.
A Moment of Integrity - Or a Bigger Play?
Naturally, the moment sparked debate. Was this pure honesty from a kid raised to respect the game? Or was there a little gamesmanship in play - a subtle nod to the bigger picture?
Because here’s the thing: Celebrini is about to share a locker room with Connor McDavid at the upcoming Winter Olympics. And Thursday’s game happened to be in Edmonton, with McDavid on the other bench and the hockey world watching. If you're a young player looking to make an impression, there are worse ways to do it than showing you're the kind of guy who plays the right way - even when no one would blame you for taking the call.
It’s not that Celebrini needed to impress McDavid. The Oilers captain already holds the Sharks rookie in high regard.
But moments like this stick with players. They build trust.
They show maturity. And in a tournament like the Olympics, where chemistry and accountability matter just as much as raw skill, those things can go a long way.
Social Media Reacts - And So Does the Bench
Fans and players alike took notice. Social media lit up with praise, calling Celebrini an “ethical superstar” and applauding his integrity.
It’s not just about the call - it’s about what it represents. Young stars in the league are often under the microscope, and reputations form fast.
Diving, flopping, embellishing - those tags can stick. Celebrini, in one quick gesture, may have helped define his image in a very different way.
That said, not everyone on the Sharks bench was likely thrilled in the moment. Giving up a power play opportunity isn’t exactly a coach’s dream.
But as head coach Ryan Warsofsky and the staff quickly realized, the call wasn’t reviewable. Celebrini could wave all he wanted - the Sharks were going on the man advantage regardless.
Still, the bigger takeaway wasn’t about the two minutes on the clock. It was about a young player showing a level of self-awareness and integrity that’s rare at any age, let alone 19.
Building a Legacy, One Moment at a Time
It’s easy to forget that Macklin Celebrini is just starting out. But moments like this are how legacies begin - not just with goals and assists, but with character. With decisions made in real time that reflect who a player is and what they stand for.
He didn’t have to wave off the call. No one would’ve blamed him if he didn’t. But he did - and in doing so, he reminded us that hockey, at its best, is still a game built on respect.
And if you're looking for signs that this kid is ready for the Olympic spotlight, you just got one.