Macklin Celebrini Opens Olympic Play on a Line with Connor McDavid
Macklin Celebrini isn’t wasting any time making a statement on the international stage. The 18-year-old San Jose Sharks phenom is starting his first Olympic Games not just as a member of Team Canada-but on a line with none other than Connor McDavid.
That’s how Canada rolled out its top group during their first Olympic practice on Sunday: McDavid centering a line with Celebrini on one wing and Tom Wilson on the other. It’s a bold move, but one that speaks volumes about how highly Hockey Canada views Celebrini’s game. He’s not just along for the ride-he’s being trusted to contribute alongside the best player in the world.
And it doesn’t stop there. Celebrini also slotted in on Canada’s second power play unit, skating with Bo Horvat, Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, and Shea Theodore. That’s a heavy-hitting group, and it gives the young Shark yet another platform to showcase his skill, vision, and poise under pressure.
Canada opens its Olympic campaign on February 12 against Czechia, with puck drop set for 7:40 AM PT. All eyes will be on how this top line clicks, and whether Celebrini can keep pace with McDavid’s tempo and creativity. If their early chemistry is any indication, this could be a pairing that gives opposing defenses nightmares.
Back in San Jose, the buzz around Celebrini continues to grow. The Sharks’ top prospect-and arguably already their best player-is turning heads not just in Northern California, but across the hockey world. Even Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has taken notice.
“I look at the box scores every day,” Kerr said. “He was hanging around here as a 14-year-old kid, and now all of a sudden he’s in the MVP race in the NHL.”
That kind of trajectory doesn’t happen by accident. Celebrini’s rise has been meteoric, but it’s grounded in a complete, two-way game that’s mature beyond his years. His Olympic debut is just the latest chapter in what’s shaping up to be a special career.
Meanwhile, the Sharks pipeline continues to show promise. Cam Lund is set to replace Filip Bystedt in the AHL All-Star Classic, representing the San Jose Barracuda.
And top prospects Michael Misa and Sam Dickinson are drawing praise for their development, with analysts keeping a close eye on their progress. There’s also some intrigue around what a potential extension could look like for Kiefer Sherwood, who’s become a key depth piece for the big club.
Elsewhere in the NHL, Sidney Crosby has officially been named captain of Team Canada-no surprise there. Martin Brodeur, a three-time Olympian himself, weighed in on the Olympic experience, saying players should embrace life in the village. It’s a different kind of grind, but one that builds team chemistry in a hurry.
Team USA, meanwhile, is taking a different approach to their Olympic setup, with their lines shaping up during practice. Matthew Tkachuk is skating with Jack Eichel and his brother Brady, while Jack Hughes is anchoring a dynamic third line with Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson. On the blue line, Quinn Hughes is paired with Charlie McAvoy, and Connor Hellebuyck looks like the go-to guy in net.
As the Olympic tournament gets underway, the spotlight will be on the stars-but it’s the young guns like Macklin Celebrini who could end up stealing the show. If he continues to play with the confidence and skill he’s shown all season, Canada might just have another golden weapon in their arsenal.