Max Miller
The San Jose Sharks held their yearly exit interviews on Saturday, and the main attraction was obviously Macklin Celebrini.
Here is the complete transcript of his interview.
Thank you to Jonathan Bailey for the transcription help.
Q: How would you summarize the season?
A: I mean, obviously, it’s disappointing we didn’t make the playoffs, and we were right there. We knew we could have done it, and that stings a little bit. But I think you’ve got to look at the positives. We made a lot of big strides as a group, and we played some good hockey.
Q: What made your season so special on the ice?
A: I think just the group of guys we have. It’s so fun to come to the rink every day and be with them, and the amount of laughs and fun we had, and how much we enjoyed each other’s company, and just going out there and playing hockey, I think, and we were winning, so it was a lot of fun.
Q: Sharks fans got behind you in a big way with MVP chants. How much did you feel their support?
A: I mean, our fans are awesome. I mean, you saw it there. They sold out the building a couple times in a row, and then we had great crowds the rest of the year. They’re starting to come back, which is what we want. We’re going to keep trying to win some games and push this thing in the right direction. Hopefully, they keep coming.
Q: What’s the appetite to play Stanley Cup Playoff games next season?
A: Yeah, I mean 100% I mean, it gave us taste and kind of fed that hunger a little bit, where we want to get back there and get back into that situation, but hopefully next year, we’re in a little bit more of a controlling spot.
Q: You played 82 games this season. What does that number mean to you?
A: I mean, that’s something that every guy wants to do. They want to be on the ice every single game and try to help the team win. That was a big goal of mine this year, especially with missing the start of the year last year. I think just being able to play all the games this year and being available for my team, my teammates, I think that was a big goal of mine.
Q: How have you handled becoming the celebrity of the San Jose Sharks?
A: I think it’s good. I think our fans are starting to recognize us a little bit more, and the Sharks are starting to grow back into being one of the bigger teams in the Bay and get a little bit more attention. That’s what we all want.
Q: How different was this San Jose Sharks locker room this year, and how close was it?
A: I think it was just as good last year. I think we just got so tight over the course of the year, but winning helps that. We almost won 40 games, and it’s almost double what we did last year, and you have a lot more fun.
Q: You’re eligible to sign a contract this Summer. Have you thought about how long it might be?
A: I haven’t thought about it. The season just ended, and I haven’t really thought about anything like that.
Q: How did you grow as a person this year?
A: I think I got a little bit more comfortable around the guys. Obviously, I think just getting an ‘A’ this year, it challenged me to kind of be a little bit more vocal and kind of speak my mind a little bit. But at the same time, not going to change who I am.
Q: What did you learn from other leaders on the Sharks about being a captain?
A: Just what those kinds of conversations are like. What guys are looking for, some of the concerns that we have, and just problem-solving when we get in those ruts and tough times, just how to come out of it.
Q: What allowed you to have this type of season after an already strong rookie year?
A: I mean, just the chemistry and the kind of gel I had with my linemates and our whole team, I think we were playing the right way. And obviously, we’re creating a lot of chances and getting a lot of offense, but also, I saw some things in my game last year that I knew I needed to improve, and last Summer, I did my best to kind of work towards that.
Q: Anything specific that you’re going to work on this Summer?
A: Nothing specific. Times like these, exit meetings when you talk to your coach, and other guys just figuring out what you need to do to improve yourself and make yourself better.
Q: You’ve played a lot of hockey this season with a compressed schedule and the Olympics. How are you feeling physically?
A: Yeah, with no break, it was a little tough. But, I mean, every guy was going through it, so there’s no excuse. A little bit tired now, and I mean, I’m sure if the season is still going, I’d still have a lot of energy, but now that it’s all over, I think it’s kind of hitting me a little bit more.
Q: Are you going to the World Championships this year?
A: I knew that question was coming. I got a call. I’m still thinking, but I’m not sure what I’m gonna do.
Q: The Sharks put together a rest/maintenance plan for you after the Olympics. What helped you get through the end of the season?
A: I do think resting, when I was told to rest, that was a big key for me, especially with the Olympics and all that went into it. Just the schedule, how tight those games were, back-to-backs and stuff, I think just taking that rest when I was able to, I think it
helped a lot.
Q: Ryan Warsofsky said you resisted resting. Is that true?
A: I think that was more last year. I had a conversation with him at the start of the year and throughout the year, and they’re great just talking to me, seeing what my numbers are, and asking how I’m feeling, and just kind of putting the plan together.
Q: Does going through a season like this give you an idea of what it might be like to get all the way to the Stanley Cup Final?
A: I mean, that’s long, but I don’t think you can really compare the regular season to the playoffs. I mean, you just watch the start of that Ottawa, Carolina game. It’s intense. I don’t really think–I mean, we got a little taste of it–but until you’re in that playoff game, I don’t think you can really compare.
Q: The San Jose Sharks had multiple rookies play this season, Michael Misa and Sam Dickinson. How do you think they did?
A: They were big parts of our team. They’re going to be big parts of our team in the future, too. Those are two key guys for us. I thought they both did great.
Q: Collin Graf kept going back on your line. What about his game made it so successful every time he was with you?
A: He’s just so smart, the way, the way he thinks the game, and he always has his head up looking for plays. I think that’s something that me and Will [Smith] like to do. We like to make plays and read off each other. He just has a great stick, and he’s able to make those plays.
Q: Are you open to signing an extension this Summer?
A: Yeah, I’m open to it.
Q: Have you talked to other players about the process they’ve been through regarding their first contract extension?
A: Not really. Like, Connor [Bedard] and I are pretty good friends, and I talked to him a little bit just about his situation. Obviously, he approached it differently, and every guy’s situation is going to be a little bit different.
Q: As you said, every situation is different, but would you like to get a deal done this offseason rather than waiting longer?
A: I’m just open to every possibility. There’s nothing really that goes into it. It goes hand in hand with me. I want to commit to this team and being here, and I love it here. I’m just open to whatever happens.
Q: This is the last year players can sign 8-year deals. Would you be open to a long-term deal?
A: Like I said, I haven’t really talked about it, and I mean, there’s a lot of stuff that goes into it.
Q: What bridged the age gap from veterans to young players so well this season?
A: It wasn’t very divided, like all the guys hung out together, older guys, younger guys, everyone just kind of came together. We were a team, and no one looked at it as a guy being older than them. I think our young guys, we like looking up to those guys and asking them questions, but I think everyone’s comfortable with each other and just talking to each other.
Q: As those older guys leave the room, how do you fill their shoes as a growing leader on the Sharks?
A: I mean, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how old you are, where you come from. As long as you’re in that room, we’re all going to have each other’s backs, and we’re all going to be a team.
Q: Is there a moment this season that stands out as your favorite or most memorable?
A: We had a couple of very cool wins, and at home, just the energy in the building, and that was kind of our first taste of it. I have a few games that I’ll remember and kind of hold on to going into the next year.
Q: The San Jose Sharks were so close to the playoffs. What is the next step to get into the dance?
A: I think a little bit of it’s experience. I mean, we dropped a couple of games at the end that maybe we shouldn’t have, but maybe won some that we shouldn’t have, too. So that’s just how it goes sometimes. But I think we need to just make sure next year we learn our lessons from this year, and we stay consistent with what we want to do.
Q: The first two years of your career, the Sharks haven’t started well. How do you change that next year?
A: I mean, that doesn’t help. That doesn’t help to start off the year that slow, so we have to change that.
Q: I have two questions. What is the 18 on your hat? What are your offseason plans?
A: It’s just a golf hat
A: My plans this offseason are just to spend time with my friends and family. I’ll be in Vancouver.
Q: What would it mean to you to be named captain of the San Jose Sharks?
A: I mean, that would mean a lot to me, especially if it’s coming from my teammates, if they’re looking at me like that and they believe in me. That means a lot.
Q: You could be a finalist for the Hart Trophy. If you are nominated alongside other NHL superstars, what does that mean to you?
A: Those are the guys that I’m looking to learn from and watch them. They’ve been around for 10 plus years. They’re guys that, when I was a kid, I was watching, and even now, I’m still trying to learn from them and see what makes them successful.
Q: What’s the deciding factor in playing for Team Canada at Worlds or not?
A: Part of wanting to stay healthy all year, playing all 82 games, it takes a toll, and it’s a little tiring, so I just gotta kind of do what’s best for me, and priorities are best for next season.
Q: When do you have ot decide by?
A: I don’t really think there’s a deadline. I don’t know, but it’ll probably be in the next couple days I’ll let them know.
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