The San Jose Sharks signed their top pick to an NHL contract.
Macklin Celebrini, who went first overall in the June 28 NHL draft, agreed to sign his entry-level contract now and play professional hockey next season.
Celebrini, who turned 18 on June 13, played last season with Boston University. The freshman received several honors, including not only the Tim Taylor Award as rookie of the year but the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s men’s hockey player of the year, recording 32 goals, 32 assists and 64 points in 38 games.
“Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident and intelligent young man off of it,” Grier said in a news release.
We've been waiting for this ONE #TheFutureIsTeal
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 6, 2024
The Vancouver native had the option to return to school next year, which would have likely meant he would have to wait until the end of his next NCAA season to sign his entry-level deal.
At the draft, Celebrini told reporters he hadn’t made a decision yet on whether he would follow in the footsteps of Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (first overall in 2021) and return to the NCAA or turn pro. He added he’d have to talk to the Sharks some more before reaching a decision. But at Sharks development camp, Celebrini said his decision would quickly come.
Our Hobey winner has made it official.
Congrats to Macklin Celebrini on signing with @SanJoseSharks!
Wishing you all the best as you begin your pro career, Mack! pic.twitter.com/16X64n0iYD
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) July 6, 2024
As Celebrini signed the contract, he no longer has amateur status and can no longer play NCAA hockey, which is different than major junior players being eligible to return to the CHL after they sign their deals.
In the unlikely scenario the Sharks want Celebrini to develop in the CHL, the Seattle Thunderbirds have the rights to the top prospect. But because Celebrini went the college hockey route, he could play in the AHL next season with the San Jose Barracuda, which would be the likelier option.
That said, Celebrini’s likeliest option is to jump right into the NHL. Sharks GM Mike Grier seems to agree.
“His combination of skills and hockey sense is rare, and we are extremely confident that he is ready to make the transition to being a full time NHL player,” Grier said. “We could not be more excited to have Macklin locked in to formally join the Sharks organization for the 2024-25 season.”
#SJSharks Director of Player Development, Todd Marchant, couldn't hold back his excitement for the organization's future when discussing Macklin Celebrini and other top prospects. Read more on @TheHockeyNews.⤵️https://t.co/Xxn0nUg3CX
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) July 4, 2024
The news comes as prospects selected in the 2024 NHL draft have already begun to sign entry-level deals. No. 3 pick Beckett Sennecke and No. 23 pick Stian Solberg signed with the Anaheim Ducks on Friday. No. 9 pick Zayne Parekh and No. 28 pick Matvei Gridin signed with the Calgary Flames on Friday as well, as did No. 8 selection Berkly Catton with the Seattle Kraken. Even Ilya Protas, drafted in the third round by the Washington Capitals, signed his entry-level deal on Saturday.
Fellow first-round Sharks draft pick Sam Dickinson has not yet signed a contract as of Saturday afternoon.
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News Summary:
- No. 1 Pick Macklin Celebrini Turns Pro, Signs Entry-Level Deal with San Jose Sharks
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.