Macklin Celebrini is one of the most talked-about talents in the NHL today. Born in 2006, Celebrini was drafted first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft and has made success since entering the NHL. But who is he, really? Here’s everything you need to know about Macklin Celebrini.
Macklin Celebrini: Early Life
Macklin Celebrini was born on June 13, 2006, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He comes from a sports family. His parents are Rick and Robyn. Rick Celebrini is a former soccer player who played for the Vancouver 86ers. His brother, Aiden Celebrini, born in 2004, played hockey for Boston University. He also has a younger brother, RJ, born in 2012.
Macklin Celebrini: Youth Career
Celebrini showed very early that his talent was exceptional. Playing for Shattuck-St. Mary’s U14 in 2020–2021, he recorded 141 points (51+90) in just 50 games. Ahead of the 2022–2023 season, Celebrini joined the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL). That season, he scored a record-breaking 86 points (46+40) in 50 games. He also became the first player in USHL history to win Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Forward of the Year in the same season.
For the 2023–2024 season, Macklin decided to play for Boston University. There, he recorded 64 points (32+32) in 38 games. The incredible season led to him winning several individual trophies, including the Hobey Baker Award—as the youngest player ever to receive it.
Macklin Celebrini: NHL Career
Macklin Celebrini was selected first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract with the team on July 6, 2024.
Celebrini made his NHL debut on October 10, 2024. He scored his first career goal and added an assist in a 5–4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues.
He finished third in rookie scoring with 63 points in 70 games, trailing Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens and Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers.
On the 29th of July, 2026, Celebrini signed a five-year contract extension with the Sharks worth 18.8 million a year, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history.
FACTS
| Full name | Macklin Richard Celebrini |
| Age | 20 |
| Born | June 13, 2006 — Vancouver, British Columbia 🇨🇦 |
| Position | Center |
| Shoots | Left |
| Height | 183 cm / 6’0″ |
| Weight | 86 kg / 190 lbs |
| Current team | San Jose Sharks, NHL (#71) — alternate captain |
| Draft | 2024 — 1st round, 1st overall, San Jose Sharks |
| Contract | 5 years, $94M ($18.8M AAV) signed July 29, 2026 — the highest cap hit in NHL history. Effective 2027-28 |
CAREER
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Chicago Steel | USHL | 50 | 46 | 40 | 86 |
| 2023-24 | Boston University | NCAA | 38 | 32 | 32 | 64 |
| 2024-25 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 70 | 25 | 38 | 63 |
| 2025-26 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 82 | 45 | 70 | 115 |
| NHL total | 152 | 70 | 108 | 178 |
115 points is a San Jose Sharks franchise record, passing Joe Thornton’s 114. Fourth in NHL scoring in 2025-26.
HONORS
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| USHL Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Forward of the Year | 2023 |
| Hobey Baker Award — youngest winner ever | 2024 |
| Hockey East Player of the Year | 2024 |
| 1st overall NHL Draft pick | 2024 |
| NHL All-Rookie Team, Calder finalist (3rd) | 2024-25 |
| NHL Third All-Star Team | 2025-26 |
| Ted Lindsay Award finalist | 2025-26 |
| Sharks Player of the Year | 2025, 2026 |
| Olympic silver — led the tournament in goals (5), Olympic All-Star Team | 2026 |
| IIHF World Championship — captained Canada, Best Forward, 14 pts in 10 GP | 2026 |
| IIHF Male Player of the Year | 2025-26 |
Personal Life
Celebrini’s parents are Rick and Robyn. Macklin grew up with two brothers, Aiden and RJ. Rick Celebrini is a former soccer player for the Vancouver 86ers who later transitioned into a career in sports medicine. He previously worked with the Vancouver Canucks before being hired as the director of sports medicine and performance for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
Macklin’s older brother, Aiden Celebrini, was drafted by the Canucks in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The two played together at Boston University during the 2023–24 college season.
As for his dating life, there are rumors about a possible girlfriend, but it has not been confirmed whether he is currently seeing anyone.
Height and Weight
Macklin Celebrini stands 6’0″ (183 cm) tall and weighs 190 lbs (86 kg).
He signed a five-year, $94 million extension with San Jose on July 29, 2026, carrying an $18.8 million cap hit — the highest in NHL history. It begins in 2027-28. He plays 2026-27 on the final year of his entry-level contract at $975,000.
He wore an “A” as alternate captain through 2025-26. As of August 2026 he has not been named captain, though it has been widely reported as expected before opening night. San Jose has had no captain since Logan Couture retired in April 2025.
Yes, in 2024 at Boston University, as the youngest winner in the award’s history at 17.
Rick Celebrini, director of sports medicine and performance for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, a former professional soccer player and previously a physiotherapist with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Aiden Celebrini, a defenseman born in 2004, drafted 171st overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2023. The brothers played together at Boston University. A younger brother, RJ, also plays.
He was born in Vancouver and raised in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
