How’s Celebrini Getting Better?

How is Macklin Celebrini getting better?

The San Jose Sharks’ 2024 first-overall pick is enjoying a Calder Trophy-worthy campaign, tied for the rookie lead with 17 goals and leading with a 0.89 Points Per Game average. He’s got 40 points in just 45 games.

But he’s also impressing in the finer points of the game.

Celebrini and San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky shared subtle-but-important areas where the 18-year-old is improving.

Defense

Celebrini is trying to be just the third teenager in the last 30 years, after Connor McDavid (2015-16) and Sidney Crosby (2005-06), to average a Point Per Game in his rookie season.

But what’s most impressive about the 18-year-old’s debut campaign with the San Jose Sharks may not be the offense, but the defensive improvement.

Three weeks ago, TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonnette made waves when he ripped 2023 first-overall pick Connor Bedard’s two-way game.

"That is pond hockey" 😳

Biz and Ace break down Connor Bedard's play and have a lot to say about it ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mOxknvydZD

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 6, 2025

“That is pond hockey,” Bissonnette said.

It’s hard to imagine anybody ever criticizing the 2024 No. 1 in the same way.

Read the Full Article at NBC Sports Bay Area