Macklin Celebrini Is Not McDavid, Nor Bedard: Will He Fulfill His Huge Potential?

When San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier announced that the club had signed Canadian center Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks first overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, to a standard, entry-level contract, it was the beginning of a new chapter for the organization. 

The rebuild of the Sharks is on, and fans know the complicated process was inevitable. Thornton, Pavelski, Burns, or Karlsson are gone; the eyes are focused on Macklin Celebrini. How good this 18-year-old forward is and how good he will be? 

Find out why the San Jose Sharks are so excited with his NHL Draft pick and why it is complicated to compare him with other generational talents such as Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) and Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks). 

Celebrini v McDavid v Bedard: Goals and Assists

It's very difficult to make comparisons between Macklin Celebrini,Connor Bedard, and Connor McDavid. The reason is, that McDavid and Bedard played in the Canadian junior leagues, where top prospects can spend several seasons before the NHL Draft. 

McDavid played 3 seasons for the Erie Otters and, during his time in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), scored 97 goals and 188 assists (285 points combined) in 166 games played. Absolutely crazy numbers! It's not a coincidence that this Canadian center is now a captain of the Edmonton Oilers and probably the best hockey player on the planet.

Bedard spent his junior years in the Western Hockey League (WHL), when he dominated the league as a player for the Regina Pats. The young gun from the Chicago Blackhawks scored 134 goals in 134 games with 137 assists (271 points combined) during his 3 seasons in the WHL. Quite good, right? 

The career path of Celebrini is slightly different. He was born in Vancouver but spent his junior years in the United States. During the 2022-2023 season, he excelled for the Chicago Steel in the USHL (50 games, 46 goals, 40 assists, and 86 points combined). 

Then he proceeded into the NCAA, an American hockey league for the players at universities. Celebrini played for Boston University and scored 32 goals and 32 assists (64 points combined) in 38 games. But the main difference is that Macklin played against adult opponents.

Bedard and McDavid played in OHL and WHL against the other young prospects. Celebrini needed to adjust his game to another level, and he managed to do it. That's also brought hope to the Sharks because they believe that the Canadian forward will enter the NHL without any problems. 

Macklin Celebrini: The Best Sharks Chance for a Cup

Sniper. Playmaker. Cerebral Tactician. Those are Macklin Celebrini descriptions from Elite Prospects. The San Jose Sharks have zero Stanley Cups, and they definitely would like to win one. This team from California played in the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals, but they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins.  

Bad contracts and unsuccessful trades brought the Sharks to the bottom of the league. Next years seem brighter, and Celebrini is the main reason. GM Mike Grier is making interesting moves. 

Newcomer Tyler Toffoli, who will bring experience and goals, and the Sharks' captain Logan Couture could be Celebrini's linemates.  There is a lot of work to do in San Jose, California. But the 2024-2025 season should be the first big step in the right direction. Who knows, maybe Macklin Celebrini will win the Stanley Cup before McDavid and Bedard. 

PHOTO SOURCES: MIJ, OutKick, NHL, Santa Cruz Sentinel, The Mercury News