San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, will be sidelined for an additional two weeks due to a lower-body injury. The announcement was made by Sharks general manager Mike Grier on Monday. Celebrini, an 18-year-old forward, has been out of action since scoring a goal and an assist in the season opener against the St. Louis Blues on October 10.
In that game, Celebrini scored just 7:01 into the match, making it the second-fastest goal in NHL history by a top draft pick in their debut. The only goal faster was scored by Mario Lemieux, who found the back of the net 2:59 into his first game with the Pittsburgh Penguins back in 1984.
Prior to joining the Sharks, Celebrini had an impressive college career at Boston University, where he won the 2023-24 Hobey Baker Award. During his one-year tenure, he helped the Terriers advance to the NCAA Frozen Four and totaled 64 points with 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games.
The Sharks will have to wait a little longer before they can see Celebrini back in action on the ice. His absence will be felt on the team as they look to navigate through the early part of the season without their highly-touted rookie forward. Celebrini’s potential and skill have been evident since his college days, and fans are eager to see him make an impact in the NHL once he fully recovers from his injury.
Despite the setback, Celebrini remains optimistic and is focused on his recovery to get back to playing form as soon as possible. The Sharks will be monitoring his progress closely and ensuring that he receives the necessary treatment and rehabilitation to prevent any further complications. In the meantime, the team will have to adjust their lineup and strategies to compensate for his absence on the ice.
As the Sharks continue to compete in the tough NHL season, they will be looking forward to having Celebrini back in the lineup to bolster their offensive capabilities. His dynamic playing style and scoring ability will be a valuable asset to the team once he returns to full health. In the meantime, fans will have to wait patiently for his comeback and support the team as they face challenges on the ice without him.