San Jose Sharks rookies Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith bonded immediately this season and have become inseparable.
The two rookies spent almost every day together, which is critical for their development with the Sharks.
“Probably not this much to be honest,” Smith said about whether he thought their friendship would be so close so fast. “I think everyone knows that we were rivals before that, and we didn’t say a word to each other. It’s pretty cool, and now it is what it is.”
Did we just become best friends?
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 16, 2025
YEP!
🛍️: https://t.co/xHR2YqO649 pic.twitter.com/xqcNI7R6FL
Celebrini said that having Smith as a friend near his age helped his transition from NCAA hockey to the NHL.
“It’s what happens when you spend every day together,” Celebrini said. “We have a bunch of guys who were a little bit younger, who don’t have family, so we hung out. That just makes the season go by a little bit quicker, and makes it a little bit more enjoyable.”
The relationship that the Sharks’ rookies built with the veterans was clear, especially with Tyler Toffoli. Everyone on the Sharks roster recognized it and felt the impact of Celebrini and Smith’s bond, including veterans like Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
“We’re very young. Mack and Will bring tons of childish energy. If you watch those guys warm up, I didn’t do that at 19, but they’re fun kids. Good kids [and] great players,” Vlasic said. “[They’re] fun to have around. We have a lot of young guys, young energy, and it helped me as well feel a lot younger than I am.”
Mack's giving away all the puck's tonight. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/PHJkHFG2AP
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 17, 2025
Celebrini & Smith are thankful for living with Sharks legends
It is well documented that Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith lived with San Jose Sharks legends Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
Players like Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said they were slightly jealous of the Sharks’ rookies.
“It was great. You guys know [with him], every day is a good day,” Celebrini said. “That really helps with the situation we’re in. Just every time I came home, something was going on, [and] some fun [was] being had.”
We got some @SanJoseSharks on #WarriorsGround 🦈
— Chase Center (@ChaseCenter) February 1, 2025
Welcoming Will Smith, Macklin Celebrini, and legend Joe Thornton to tonight’s game! #BayAreaUnite pic.twitter.com/zLEt4YZvle
Smith said that the Marleau family will always be part of his life for the rest of his time.
“It was awesome. I’m so happy I did it. They’re going to be a family that I’m going to be connected with my whole life now,” Smith said. “[I] learned everything. Not even with hockey, just off the ice too, and how great [they are as] people.”
Smith and Celebrini will be the San Jose Sharks’ franchise cornerstones. Their friendship will drive fans crazy with excitement and give each other an NHL life to share.
They could play against each other soon at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. Celebrini confirmed that he is going, but Smith did not want to confirm or deny if he is playing for Team USA.
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