Macklin Celebrini has made his return to San Jose, thanks to a little help from the Florida Panthers. The Canadian Olympian, fresh off a standout performance at the Winter Games, arrived back on Monday night.
He spent Tuesday around Sharks Ice and is set to meet with the media on Wednesday. However, Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky isn’t sure if Celebrini will join practice just yet.
The Sharks are gearing up for their Thursday clash against the Calgary Flames, and Celebrini’s return could be a significant boost. The 19-year-old left a lasting impression at the Olympics, leading the tournament with five goals and 28 shots.
His performance has sparked conversations about his place among hockey's elite, alongside the likes of Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Despite Canada's narrow 2-1 OT loss to the United States in the gold medal game, Celebrini’s stock has never been higher.
Warsofsky noted, “I think he’s excited to turn the page and get ready to help the Sharks.”
The Panthers played a crucial role in getting Celebrini back to San Jose. With Olympic players arriving in Miami, the Panthers’ staff, under GM Bill Zito, helped facilitate their return trips. Zito humorously mentioned that Sharks GM Mike Grier texted him a thank you, to which Zito jokingly replied, "Those guys were supposed to keep him here!"
Meanwhile, the Sharks have other storylines brewing. William Eklund is reflecting on an up-and-down season but remains optimistic about finishing strong. His coach shares this optimism, looking forward to what Eklund can bring to the table.
Alex Wennberg and Philipp Kurashev have also returned from their Olympic journeys, sharing insights on Celebrini’s headline-worthy performances. However, another Sharks Olympian faced a delay on the East Coast but is expected back soon.
In other Sharks news, Filip Bystedt is back in action after dealing with an upper body injury. Additionally, the Barracuda have updated Bowers’s recovery timeline to six weeks, giving hope for a return before season’s end.
Yaroslav Askarov is ready to embrace any role for the Russian Olympic hockey team, showcasing his enthusiasm and commitment.
Around the NHL, Mikko Rantanen is on track to return before the season wraps up, despite an Olympic injury. The Colorado Avalanche made waves by trading Samuel Girard to the Pittsburgh Penguins, while Matvei Michkov addressed the Flyers media, adding intrigue to the league’s ongoing narratives.
Off the ice, Aleksander Barkov has made a significant impact with a generous seven-figure donation to a hospital, highlighting the positive influence athletes can have beyond the rink.
As the NHL season continues, the Florida Panthers, loaded with Olympians, are focused on climbing the playoff ladder, while Team USA's men's hockey team celebrated their gold medal win with a visit to the Oval Office, marking a memorable moment in sports history.