The San Jose Sharks endured a miserable 2023-24 season where the franchise finished dead last in the NHL with a record of 19-54-9. With this result, the Sharks had the best odds of winning the 1st overall pick. The draft lottery balls fell in their favor and the Sharks won the right to draft 1st. San Jose General Manager Mike Grier appears to have his eyes set on the franchise's choice.
San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng revealed a conversation he had with Sharks GM Mike Grier, it appears the franchise already has plans worked out with Macklin Celebrini. It is not surprising that Grier is talking about Celebrini, he is the runaway choice on all mock draft lottery boards. What is surprising is how upfront Grier is being with his decision.
The 18 year old, Celebrini was outstanding in his first season with Boston University. In 38 games, he scored 32 goals and 64 points. Celebrini took home individual hardware for his season wining the Hockey East Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year, and 1st All-Star Team. He was part of Team Canada's 2023 Under-18 World Championships, producing 15 points in 7 games, on route to a bronze medal.
Celebrini appears ready to step right into an NHL lineup next season. If selected he could help with the Sharks offence, which finished second last the league producing 181 goals for, to go with 331 goals against for an ugly goal differential of 150.
