With the 2026 Winter Olympics fast approaching, the IIHF has announced the first six players for each country’s Ice Hockey roster. No San Jose Sharks players were named.
Nico Sturm and Timo Meier are the only two former Sharks to be named as part of the first six.
Team USA and Team Canada’s six players were unveiled last, and there are no surprises. Canada has named Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Brayden Point, Nathan MacKinnon, Sam Reinhart, and Cale Makar as its first six players.
All six rostered players played for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. When the rest of the roster is announced at a later date, there will likely be speculation about whether San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini will be included.
Coming off a phenomenal rookie season, the Sharks’ star finished third in Calder Trophy voting and was a unanimous entry to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team.
The 2024 No. 1 pick, who has just turned 19, has represented his home nation of Canada at all levels. His most recent was at the 2025 IIHF Worlds, where he suited up with Crosby and MacKinnon.
While playing on a line with Crosby, the Sharks forward put up significant numbers. In six games, Celebrini scored three goals and three assists. He received high praise from MacKinnon, saying he should be on the Olympic roster.
“He’s a pro. He is miles ahead of where I was at 18, mentally. I think his dad has given him a lot of knowledge, you know, put him in a great spot,” MacKinnon told NHLdotcom. “Obviously, he was raised great, too. A great kid. He’s dominating. He’s standing out with a lot of older players. I think with a good first half he’s going to have a really good chance at the Olympic team. Really impressed with him.”
What does Celebrini need to do for the Sharks to get a spot on the roster?
MacKinnon said it best, with a great first half, Celebrini should be on the Olympic team.
Good starts haven’t been the theme for the San Jose Sharks in recent years. In the last two seasons, the Sharks have experienced extended losing streaks of 11 and nine games to start the year.
Celebrini’s success early in the Sharks’ season will be critical for a good start. If the centerman is playing at an even higher level than last, it only benefits San Jose.
There are specifics that the 19-year-old will have to prove he worked on. While his work ethic isn’t questioned, the results of that work must become more positive, especially defensively.
Depending on what GM Mike Grier does in the off-season, the Sharks could deploy Celebrini in a penalty-killing role. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky said the team wanted to introduce Celebrini to that in 24-25, but opted not to. The reason is not to overload their young superstar.
To make Canada’s Olympic hockey roster, Celebrini must prove to Doug Armstrong that he’s among the best 25 Canadian players in the world. Armstrong is the GM of Canada with Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper behind the bench.
Every player in the NHL next season will play with the added pressure of making their country’s Olympic roster.
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