NHLSep 26
Macklin Celebrini Becomes Youngest Captain in Sharks History
At 20, San Jose’s franchise centerpiece takes on the captaincy after a record-breaking season, with a playoff return the next target.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
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A new leader in San Jose
The Sharks have named Macklin Celebrini their captain, making the 20-year-old the youngest player to hold the position in franchise history and the youngest active captain in the NHL. Former Sharks captain Joe Thornton handed Celebrini his captain’s jersey during a team meeting before Friday’s practice. Celebrini becomes the franchise’s 11th full-time captain, filling the vacancy left after a career-ending injury to Logan Couture. Patrick Marleau previously held San Jose’s age record, having been appointed at 24 in 2004. Celebrini is also younger than Chicago captain Connor Bedard, who received that role at 21 earlier this month. Celebrini indicated that he understands the responsibility but intends to maintain the approach that helped him earn it. General manager Mike Grier credited his competitiveness, work habits and conduct both on and off the ice.
Record production, postseason ambitions
Selected first overall in 2024, Celebrini has quickly become central to San Jose’s future. His five-year, $94 million extension signed this summer keeps him under contract through 2031-32. He finished last season with 45 goals and 70 assists. That 115-point total surpassed Thornton’s franchise record of 114 from 2006-07. Coach Ryan Warsofsky praised Celebrini’s ability to draw teammates toward him, while Tyler Toffoli highlighted the example he sets through his work ethic. The Sharks improved by 34 points but finished four points short of a playoff berth, extending their postseason absence to a seventh straight season. Celebrini now leads a roster that includes young players Michael Misa, Will Smith, Igor Chernyshov and Sam Dickinson. San Jose also added experienced support by trading for defenseman Darnell Nurse and signing defenseman Jacob Trouba and forward Mason Marchment as it looks to turn that progress into a playoff return.
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