Macklin Celebrini Turning Heads in San Jose - Even From the Opposing Bench
When a head coach from a rival NHL team throws out MVP praise for a rookie, you take notice. That’s exactly what happened when Washington Capitals bench boss Spencer Carbery was asked about San Jose Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini.
Carbery didn’t hedge much - despite admitting he hasn’t watched a ton of Sharks, Avalanche, or Oilers hockey this season, he still didn’t hesitate to say that, right now, he’d give his MVP vote to Celebrini.
“I feel like the San Jose Sharks are overachieving [relative to their] expectations,” Carbery said. “Offensively, what [Celebrini] is doing for that team is remarkable.”
And he’s not wrong. Celebrini has been the offensive engine in San Jose, piling up 50 even-strength points - a staggering number that puts him well ahead of his closest teammate, Alex Wennberg, who sits at 28. That’s not just leading the team - that’s carrying it.
Carbery made sure to clarify that he wasn’t taking anything away from the rest of the Sharks’ roster. “That’s not a slight against the rest of his group,” he said. “That’s just a compliment of how incredible of a season he’s having, and how impactful he is for the San Jose Sharks.”
Celebrini’s impact has been felt in every zone, but it’s his offensive production at even strength that truly sets him apart. In a league where power play points often pad stats, what Celebrini’s doing at 5-on-5 is a testament to his skill, vision, and hockey IQ - all at just 18 years old.
Around the Tank: Sharks News and Notes
The Sharks have been busy beyond just Celebrini’s rise. Will Smith is back in the lineup, adding another layer of youth and creativity to the forward group. And the front office made a move to open the door for Michael Misa’s contract - a signal that the youth movement in San Jose isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Alex Wennberg, often under the radar, continues to be a steadying presence. While Celebrini gets the headlines, Wennberg’s responsible two-way play has been a quiet but critical part of the Sharks’ surprising competitiveness.
On the trade front, there’s word that Dougie Hamilton turned down a move to San Jose over the summer. While that deal didn’t materialize, it shows the Sharks are still active in reshaping their roster - and perhaps more aggressive moves are coming as the trade deadline approaches.
Veteran Tomas Hertl has voiced his satisfaction with the team’s turnaround, a sentiment that echoes through the locker room. After a rough couple of seasons, there’s a new energy in San Jose - and it’s being driven by the kids.
Barracuda Buzz: Bystedt Headed to AHL All-Star Game
Down in the AHL, Filip Bystedt is making waves. The Barracuda forward has been named an AHL All-Star, leading the team with 28 points so far this season.
He’s been a driving force for San Jose’s affiliate and a name Sharks fans should keep an eye on. The future isn’t just coming - it’s already suiting up in teal.
Milestones and More
Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic recently hit the 200-game mark in the NHL - a notable milestone for a netminder who’s battled through ups and downs to find his footing.
And across the league, the NHL rumor mill is churning. Will the Sharks make a splash at the deadline?
Could Artemi Panarin be on the move? Mitch Marner is set to face his old team, the Penguins are hiring, and the Senators just dropped eight goals on the Rangers.
It’s the time of year when the league gets wild - and San Jose is right in the middle of it.
Bottom Line
Macklin Celebrini isn’t just the best player on the Sharks - he’s making a legitimate case as one of the most valuable players in the entire league. When opposing coaches start handing out MVP votes in January, you know something special is happening. San Jose may still be rebuilding, but with Celebrini leading the charge, the future is arriving faster than anyone expected.