Celebrini Speaks! Sharks Deem Captain Game-Time Call Against Oilers

The San Jose Sharks could get their captain back in the lineup on Saturday, as Macklin Celebrini is a game-time decision.

Celebrini, who has missed the past two games with a lower-body injury, spoke to reporters Friday for the first time since the injury.

“I was optimistic going into warmups, kind of tested it out. I mean if I wasn’t going to be at my best or close to my best, then there was no point to play,” Celebrini said.

The 20-year-old didn’t pull himself out of the game against the Dallas Stars. The San Jose Sharks centerman said he was honest with the trainers and doctors on staff about how he felt.

“I mean, if we’re being real, I would have played. I want to be out there. It killed me not to. After talking to my trainers. It wasn’t the smart thing to do, and it wasn’t something that I should do,” Celebrini said. “I listened to their advice and their expertise, and pulled back. But I mean, trust me, I wanted to be out there more than anyone.”

Celebrini fully participated in Friday’s practice, but he wasn’t part of the regular line rushes. The 20-year-old told reporters he felt good after the skate, adding, “There’s always a chance” he plays.

Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters that Celebrini will once again be a game-time decision.

“[He] looked good.We’ll get an update this afternoon,” Warsofsky said. “I’ll talk to the staff, the trainers, and we’ll make a decision tomorrow. It’ll be a game-time decision.”

The high-flying Edmonton Oilers come to town for the first time this season.