Every so often, a rookie steps onto the ice and changes everything for a franchise. For the San Jose Sharks, that player is Macklin Celebrini. Just weeks into his second season, the 19-year-old phenom is not just leading a rebuilding team, he is putting his name next to the greatest ever to play the game. His confidence, speed, and hockey sense have quickly made him the face of the organization, and his performance is already drawing comparisons to hockey legends.
How Did Celebrini Join Gretzky and Yzerman in the NHL History Books?
Celebrini’s first few weeks in the NHL have been nothing short of impressive. The Vancouver-born forward, drafted first overall by the Sharks in 2024, has quickly adapted to the professional level. With nine goals and 14 assists in his first 15 games, he leads the league with 23 points in the 2025–26 season. This explosive start puts him in rare company with Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman, who both had the same number of points as teenagers through their first 15 games of a season.
Teenagers with at least 23 points through 15 games in a season, NHL history:
Macklin Celebrini (23)
Wayne Gretzky (23)
Steve Yzerman (23) https://t.co/SVYfusyheC— Brandon Weiss (@WeissBrandon1) November 8, 2025
Joining that list is a meaningful step for Celebrini. Gretzky, known for his unmatched vision, and Yzerman, remembered for his leadership and consistency, set incredibly high standards for young players. Celebrini’s ability to read the play and create scoring chances shows that he belongs in that conversation, even at this early stage of his career.
Before turning pro, Celebrini played college hockey for Boston University, where he won the Hobey Baker Award as a freshman, becoming the youngest player ever to do so. That achievement was a preview of the talent and work ethic he is now demonstrating in his NHL performances.
MORE: Calls Mount For Team Canada to Make Obvious Decision on Celebrini
Celebrini is currently signed to a three-year, $2.925 million rookie contract with a cap hit of $975,000 per season. For San Jose, he represents both the present and the future, a player on whom they can pivot their entire rebuild.
His most recent game against the Winnipeg Jets highlighted his impact once again. In that contest, Celebrini scored a goal and added an assist in a 2-1 win, helping the Sharks continue their strong stretch of play. The victory also marked another multi-point night for him, showing his consistency early in the season.
Following the game, San Jose coach Ryan Warsofsky praised his young star’s effort, saying, “We see it on a nightly basis. We see it on a daily basis. What I love [is], he just drags guys into the fight. That’s how you start winning cultures. He’s done a great job of that. Proud of him. He is one of the greatest kids, human beings. He cares. He’s a great person. We are very fortunate.”
At just 19 years old, Celebrini has already matched a feat achieved by Gretzky and Yzerman. For the Sharks and their fans, it is a clear and exciting sign of a promising future.
