Macklin Celebrini is doing more than just living up to the hype - he’s redefining what it means to be a 19-year-old in the NHL. Already a top-10 goal scorer in just his second season, Celebrini’s offensive game goes far beyond lighting the lamp. His assist total tells the real story, and Thursday night’s 3-2 win over the Capitals gave us another jaw-dropping example of just how special this kid is.
Late in the second period, with the Sharks clinging to a narrow lead and the Capitals pressing, Celebrini found himself pinned along the boards near the net. Most players would’ve looked to cycle the puck or dump it behind the goal line.
Not Celebrini. With the kind of poise you usually see from ten-year vets, he slipped a between-the-legs pass to Pavol Regenda, who buried it for what would become the game-winning goal.
It was a moment of pure improvisation, sparked by a heads-up play from Collin Graf to keep the sequence alive. And it was the kind of play that leaves opposing fans stunned and teammates shaking their heads in disbelief.
That assist marked Celebrini’s 47th of the season - a number that puts him second in the NHL - and bumped his point total to 70, good for third in the league. But beyond the stats, it’s the way he’s doing it that has the hockey world buzzing. He’s not just racking up points - he’s dictating the pace, making elite defenders look ordinary, and turning broken plays into highlight reels.
The Sharks, now 24-19-3, have quietly surged into the top Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Winners in seven of their last nine, they’re just five points back of the Vegas Golden Knights for the Pacific Division lead. That’s not a typo - the same San Jose team that’s been in rebuild mode is suddenly in the thick of the playoff race, and Celebrini is the engine behind it all.
What’s even more impressive is how quickly he’s taken command of this team. With a young core around him, Celebrini isn’t just producing - he’s elevating everyone on the ice.
His vision, his feel for the game, and his ability to make the right play at full speed are already elite. At 19, he’s not just one of the league’s most exciting players - he’s becoming one of its most complete.
CELEBRINI WINS THE PUCK BATTLE AND MAKES A NO-LOOK BETWEEN-THE-LEGS PASS FOR A SICK ASSIST 😱🔥 pic.twitter.com/BFVQnJNCqP
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 16, 2026
If this is where he’s at now, it’s scary to think what the ceiling might be. For now, though, Sharks fans can enjoy the ride - and the rest of the league better keep their heads on a swivel.
Because Macklin Celebrini isn’t just arriving. He’s already here.