Macklin Celebrini, the highly touted center for the San Jose Sharks and the top selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, has found himself on the injured reserve list shortly after making a remarkable entrance into the NHL. Two days post his debut, where he not only scored a goal but also assisted in the Sharks’ close 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues, Celebrini’s journey hit an unexpected snare. Having battled a lower-body injury throughout training camp and the preseason, his participation was once again compromised, as he missed Friday’s practice just prior to the Sharks’ game.
Coach Ryan Warsofsky announced that Celebrini will be sidelined for an estimated duration of two games as he deals with the injury. The hopeful aspect is that he may return in time for a key matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks—where he could face the 2023 number one pick, Connor Bedard. This upcoming game, set for Thursday, is already generating excitement, but Celebrini’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Sharks.
Record-Breaking Performance Despite Injury
Despite the injury, Celebrini’s debut performance on the ice was nothing short of historic. His goal, scored at 7:01 of the first period, marked the second-fastest goal ever scored by a number one overall draft pick in their first NHL game. The only player to surpass him? The legendary Mario Lemieux, who netted a goal just 2:59 into his debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Such comparisons not only highlight Celebrini’s potential but also set expectations for his future performance.
In addition to his goal, Celebrini added an assist ten minutes later, making him the youngest player in NHL history to achieve two points in the first period of his debut. Previously, this record was held by Shane Doan, who was 18 years and 362 days old when he accomplished the feat in 1995. Celebrini, at just 18 years and 119 days old, is now etched in the record books, validating the hype surrounding his arrival in the NHL.
Impact on the Sharks and Future Prospects
The Sharks have made a strategic move by recalling defenseman Jack Thompson from the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League. Thompson, who is 22 years old, is still seeking his first point in the NHL, having played three games to date. This shift underscores the Sharks’ reliance on their young talent while also adapting to the unexpected gap left by Celebrini’s injury.
Looking ahead, the Sharks are left to navigate the challenging waters of the season without one of their brightest prospects, but the potential return of Celebrini could reinvigorate the team’s efforts against formidable opponents like the Blackhawks. As fans and analysts alike eagerly await news on his recovery, it remains to be seen how this injury will impact his trajectory in what has already proven to be a promising NHL career. Celebrini’s story is one to watch, with the anticipation of his return providing a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.
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