Landlord Review: Celebrini on Thornton’s Positivity, Smith Keeps Asking Marleau Questions

It’s been a tough season for Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, but they’ve found joy in living with two San Jose Sharks legends.

Six months into their new living situations, how does the teen rookie duo feel about their “landlords” Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau?

“Sometimes we talk about how crazy it is, living in their house and doing regular family stuff like playing board games and cards,” Smith, who lives with the Marleaus, said Monday in Scotiabank Arena. “[They’re] gonna be in the Hall of Fame.”

Another favorite family activity for Smith and Celebrini is playing basketball with Thornton, Thornton’s son River, and the 12-year-old’s friends. Celebrini lives with the Thorntons.

“[Joe Thornton’s] good in the post, we’ve got a couple good three-on-three games,” Smith said, laughing.

By housing Smith, Patrick Marleau is continuing a tradition from when he entered the NHL in 1997, when the then 18-year-old lived with veteran goaltender Kelly Hrudey’s family. Smith has seized the opportunity to pick the brain of the NHL’s all-time leader in games played.

“You can ask [Marleau] pretty much anything you want,” Smith said. “So I’ve asked him probably a thousand questions, and he’s answered all of them.”

While the San Jose Sharks found a way to split the seemingly inseparable pair of rookies to two different households, Smith said he’s a frequent dinner guest at Joe Thornton‘s. As Thornton’s larger-than-life personality is well known throughout the NHL, it’s no surprise that Smith and Celebrini both said they appreciate Thornton’s positivity.

“It never seems like there’s a bad day for him,” Celebrini said. “It’s great to just have that positivity and someone to come home to that’s always happy and always keeping you going.”

"We make sure he gets his homework done before we play games."

Macklin Celebrini chats about living with the Thornton family, helping River Thornton with his homework, and shares one of his favourite Jumbo Joe stories with @ScottOake on #AfterHours. pic.twitter.com/PquJBNIef7

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 29, 2024

Jumbo’s positivity, no doubt, has been a ray of light in another cellar-dwelling season for the San Jose Sharks.

“I think it’s good for anyone,” Celebrini said. “Every situation, every team, everyone needs positivity and joy. It’s the only way you can go through 82 games. If you really are that miserable and can’t enjoy it, then there’s really no point.”