Macklin Celebrini: The Teen Sensation Shaking Up the NHL 🤩
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The buzz around Macklin Celebrini is deafening, and he's riding the wave like a pro! 😎 The 19-year-old Sharks star is on fire, and his inclusion in Team Canada for the 2026 Olympics is just another notch on his belt.
But here's the thing: Celebrini's not letting the pressure get to him. In fact, he's handling it like a seasoned vet. "He's done a really good job of not letting all the outside noise affect his game," says head coach Ryan Warsofsky. His secret? "Flushing it," according to teammate Ty Dellandrea. "Way better than most young guys, and I did."
Celebrini's ultra-competitive on the ice, but off it, he's a master of relaxation. "He does a really good job, away from the rink, turning off the switch," says Vincent Iorio, a close friend and teammate. "I know it's hard for guys when they have that much pressure, the build-up, the anxiety, whatever you call it."
So, how does he do it? Celebrini's got a solid support system, including his parents, who've raised a "great human being," says Warsofsky. And let's not forget his dad, Rick Celebrini, longtime director of sports medicine and performance for the Golden State Warriors.
But it's not just about his family; Celebrini's got a growth mindset. "You kind of just got to go through it and experience it," he says. "For whatever reason, I've dealt with it pretty good. I've had my share of bad plays this year and costly turnovers and stuff. I think just going through it, you learn how to deal with it."
And deal with it he has. Celebrini's leading the Sharks with an incredible performance, and his teammates are taking notice. "It's infectious," says Iorio. "It passes through the whole locker room, and to see him do that, and see the older guys be like, ‘You know what? I love this.’"
But here's the question: Is Celebrini the 1% of the 1%? "Macklin is that 1 percent of the 1 percent," says Iorio. "He goes about his business, the way he prepares, it's like he's been in the league for 12 years."
What do you think? Is Celebrini the real deal, or is he just getting lucky? Share your thoughts! 💬
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