Bedard and Celebrini Share a Laugh - and a Moment - in First NHL Clash
Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard might be the future of the NHL, but Monday night, they reminded us they’re still teenagers at heart - and good friends off the ice.
In a moment that quickly made the rounds online, Bedard turned to Celebrini during the game and jokingly asked, “You want one?” - playfully challenging his fellow Vancouver native to a fight. The two top overall picks, Bedard in 2023 and Celebrini in 2024, shared a laugh, and the exchange captured the kind of chemistry and competitiveness that could define a new era in the league.
Of course, there was no actual scrap between the two - just a lighthearted moment between friends. But if they had dropped the gloves at United Center, the roof might’ve come off.
On the scoreboard, it was Bedard’s Blackhawks who came out on top, skating past Celebrini’s San Jose Sharks with a 6-3 win in Chicago. The game marked another chapter in what’s already shaping up to be a compelling rivalry - not just between two promising franchises, but between two players who could be the faces of the NHL for years to come.
Sharks Notes: Debuts, Decisions, and Defensive Gambles
Back in the Sharks’ camp, a few storylines are worth keeping an eye on. Kiefer Sherwood is expected to make his debut for San Jose, adding a veteran presence to a young locker room still finding its identity.
Macklin Celebrini, meanwhile, continues to show a level of maturity beyond his years. In a recent game against Edmonton, he actually tried to decline a penalty that had been called in his favor - a rare gesture of sportsmanship that speaks to his character and hockey IQ.
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky also raised some eyebrows recently with a bold tactical move: sending out just two defensemen in overtime against none other than Connor McDavid. It’s the kind of coaching decision that gets scrutinized quickly - and remembered even quicker if it doesn’t work out.
Philipp Kurashev, now with the Sharks, took a moment to reflect on his time in Chicago. It’s always interesting to hear players talk about their former teams, especially when they return to face them. There’s a mix of nostalgia and motivation that can bring out a different level in a player.
Around the League: Trades, Transitions, and Team Canada Additions
Elsewhere in the NHL, there’s plenty of movement and intrigue. Artemi Panarin has been traded from the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings, a blockbuster shift that could shake up the Western Conference playoff picture.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins delivered a thriller in the Stadium Series - an outdoor showcase that lived up to the hype. Meanwhile, big changes are happening in Nashville, where Barry Trotz has stepped down as general manager of the Predators.
In Philadelphia, GM Danny Briere addressed the ongoing Matvei Michkov situation, while Sam Bennett has officially been named to Team Canada.
On the injury front, Colorado continues to take hits. Logan O’Connor is the latest Avalanche player to be sidelined, joining a growing list of injuries that could test the team’s depth heading into the stretch run.
There’s also been a major shakeup involving Thomas Bordeleau, who was included in the trade that brought Nick Bjugstad into the fold. And Caleb Jones has been suspended 20 games - a significant ruling that will impact his team’s blue line rotation.
In international news, Roman Josi is looking to make history for Switzerland, hoping to lead his country to its first Olympic hockey medal. And when it comes to locker room chirps, NHL players have spoken - Nick Cousins reportedly tops the list for worst trash talk in the league.
As for expansion chatter? Players are saying Houston deserves the next NHL franchise. Time will tell, but the buzz is growing.
Off the Ice: Stories That Matter
Back in San Jose, the Sharks are spotlighting stories that go beyond the rink. On the latest episode of The Undercurrent, 17-year-old Callum Walsh shares how his high school hockey team’s Pride games are helping shift the culture at his school. It’s a reminder that hockey’s impact stretches far beyond wins and losses.
Former Shark Devin Setoguchi opened up about his personal struggles during his NHL career on John Scott’s podcast - an honest and important conversation in a sport that’s starting to embrace mental health dialogue more openly.
And in a lighter moment, the San Jose Barracuda goalies went viral for imitating a dance scene from SpongeBob SquarePants. Because sometimes, in the grind of an 82-game season, you just need a laugh.
Finally, Nolan Allan expressed surprise but excitement after joining the Sharks organization - a fresh start for a young defenseman looking to make his mark.
From playful jabs between future stars to major trades and off-ice impact stories, the NHL continues to deliver drama, emotion, and entertainment on every level. And if Monday’s Bedard-Celebrini moment is any indication, the league’s future is in very good - and very fun - hands.