Colorado Avalanche's Nathan McKinnon shares a shocking message for San Jose Sharks' star Macklin Celebrini
Photo credit: X.com
Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon mentioned that the 18-year-old San Jose Shark young phenom and first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft has already progressed to the next phase of his hockey career after playing only 70 games in the league.
MacKinnon and Celebrini played together as teammates for Team Canada throughout the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
Colorado Avalanche's Nathan McKinnon shares a shocking message to Canadian teammate Macklin Celebrini.
After an impressive rookie campaign with the Sharks, Celebrini is a finalist for the 2025 Calder Trophy, which is awarded annually to the NHL's best rookie as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
MacKinnon had this to say when asked about playing Celebrini's skillset at the World Championship.
"I have no advice for him. He's a pro. He is miles ahead of where I was at 18, mentally. I think his dad has given him a lot of knowledge, you know, put him in a great spot. Obviously, he was raised great, too. He's a great kid. He's dominating. He's standing out with a lot of older players. I think with a good first half he's going to have a really good chance at the Olympic team. Really impressed with him." -MacKinnon
MacKinnon also had this to add...
"He's amazing. He is so mature for an 18-year-old, such a great attitude. Super happy. I can tell how hard he works. He has a bright future." -MacKinnon
Celebrini finished the tournament with 6 points (3 goals and 3 assists) in 8 games. The experience playing in the World Championship tournament over the last couple weeks, alongside stars like Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, has only sped up Celebrini's remarkable development.
"It's everything. It's just being around them. Playing with them. Going to dinner with them. Everything. I think playing with some of the best players in the world and getting to learn from them and talk to them and watch how they approach the game and do things...that's something I don't take for granted and something that definitely contributes to that (next step)." -Celebrini
Celebrini registered 63 points (25 goals, 38 assists) in 70 games with the Sharks last season. Although San Jose finished dead last in the NHL last season, his opportunity to learn from Crosby and MacKinnon is expected to enhance San Jose's young core for the year's ahead.
The future is very bright in San Jose!
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
MAI 22 | 27 ANSWERS Colorado Avalanche's Nathan McKinnon shares a shocking message for San Jose Sharks' star Macklin Celebrini Do you think Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini will win the Calder Trophy at this year's NHL Awards? | ||
| yes | 20 | 74.1 % |
| no | 7 | 25.9 % |
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