Reigning NHL MVP Nathan MacKinnon says San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini has a real shot at making the 2026 Canadian Olympic Hockey team.
Celebrini got to play with MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby, who are nearly guaranteed to play at the 2026 Olympics, at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. The Sharks forward has been on the same line as his hockey idol, Crosby, the entire tournament.
MacKinnon gave Celebrini high praise. The Colorado Avalanche center told NHL.com that the Sharks’ franchise player is miles ahead of where he was when he was 18 years old.
“I have no advice for him,” MacKinnon said. “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. 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.
“He’s amazing. He is so mature for an 18-year-old, such a great attitude. Super happy. I can tell how hard he works. He has a bright future.”
Unfortunately for the San Jose Sharks’ young star, Canada was upset in the quarterfinals by Denmark. With arguably the best roster in the Tournament, Canada is left empty-handed and has an early exit.
MacKinnon led Canada in scoring with seven goals and six assists in eight games. Celebrini finished with three goals and three assists in eight games. The trio of MacKinnon, Crosby, and Celebrini would all play together following a penalty kill.
Celebrini and Sharks’ Ryan Warsofsky aren’t taking this experience lightly
The San Jose Sharks’ 2024 No. 1 pick is always striving to be the best player he can be. Celebrini has grown up around professional athletes like Stephen Curry and other top Golden State Warriors due to his father.
Because of that, Celebrini understands that any advice or tendencies he can pick up from Crosby or MacKinnon shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“It’s everything,” Celebrini said. “It’s just being around them. Playing with them. Going to dinner with them. Everything. I think playing with some of the best players in the world and getting to learn from them and talk to them and watch how they approach the game and do things … that’s something I don’t take for granted and something that definitely contributes to that (next step).”
Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky is also at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. The San Jose bench boss was named head coach of Team USA for this year’s tournament.
“Ultra-competitive and extremely self-driven,” Warsofsky told Aaron Vickers. “He’s not a guy you have to poke and prod. He’s got it all over his DNA. Leadership capabilities. He’s a special, special young man.”
Celebrini just completed the experience he dreamed of as a child. Playing for Canada at Worlds will give him a better shot at making the 2026 Olympic team and help his development for the Sharks’ 25-26 season.
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