MacKinnon's former teammate set to explode with 100-point breakout season
Photo credit: Fredrik Sandberg / TT News Agency
Macklin Celebrini, who previously teamed up with Nathan MacKinnon on Team Canada's IIHF squad, is on track for a breakout 100-point season with the San Jose Sharks, signaling a major leap in his professional career.
MacKinnon and Celebrini represented Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship this past summer.
Macklin Celebrini set for breakout campaign.
Jacob Punturi from Breakaway On Si writes that the Sharks center is on the cusp of superstardom. A finalist for last season's Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, Celebrini delivered an impressive debut campaign.
As he enters his sophomore season, expectations are soaring debut campaign. As he enters his sophomore season, expectations are soaring in San Jose for the young star. Fortunately, his rookie-year performance provides strong indicators that he could reach the 100-point mark in the 2025-26 season.
"While the Sharks missed the postseason again last year, Celebrini had one of the most impressive seasons ever recorded by an 18-year-old forward. His 63 points were the third-most recorded by an 18-year-old rookie since the 2000 season, short only of Sidney Crosby's 102 points and Patrik Laine's 64 points scored in 2016-2017.
That in and of itself is a remarkable achievement. The NHL is hardly a place for players under 20, let alone teenagers, but Celebrini played like a seasoned veteran immediately." -Punturi
That in and of itself is a remarkable achievement. The NHL is hardly a place for players under 20, let alone teenagers, but Celebrini played like a seasoned veteran immediately." -Punturi
He doesn't need to go one-on-one with a goalie or camp out for rebounds to be a threat. From 30 to 50 feet out, he can unleash a powerful shot. Last season, his average shot speed of just over 62 mph ranked in the 87th percentile, showing he can overpower goaltenders. And if the initial shot doesn't find the net, he still has a solid chance to generate a scoring opportunity off the rebound.
"What all of these numbers illustrate is how effective and difficult to contain Celebrini was as a rookie. With just one season as a teenager in the NHL, he's shown how dominant he can be." -Punturi
As he enters his sophomore season, his shot, skating speed, and strength are expected to improve even further. Coupled with his elite offensive awareness and creativity, Celebrini is poised not just to reach, but to surpass, the 100-point milestone is his second NHL campaign.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 24 | 25 ANSWERS MacKinnon's former teammate set to explode with 100-point breakout season Do you think Celebrini can surpass MacKinnon in points next NHL season? | ||
| yes | 1 | 4 % |
| no | 24 | 96 % |
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