The San Jose Sharks have been one franchise that has been making some big moves this offseason. They ended the 2025 NHL Draft on a high note as they clinched the top forward this year by drafting Michael Misa at #2 overall.
With young forward Macklin Celebrini having a great rookie season, the Sharks seem to be on the right track. He is being seen as a top offensive prospect for the franchise, and Penguins legend Sidney Crosby is also of the opinion that the Sharks’ new kid is one to watch out for.
Sidney Crosby Waxes Lyrical About Macklin Celebrini
Since being drafted #1 overall by the Sharks last year, Celebrini has really impressed with his play last season. With 63 points in 70 games, the 19-year-old was the best player for the franchise when it came to points production.
His recent success in the regular season earned the Vancouver native an invitation to the Team Canada Orientation Camp, to be held from August 26 to August 28. It provided a great opportunity for the youngster to learn from veterans like Connor McDavid and Sam Bennett.
By the time the second day of orientation camp was done, Crosby was ready with his take on Celebrini. He said, “I think he’s an incredible player. His all-around game at his age is pretty impressive.”
Crosby continued, “He’s committed defensively, and he competes hard. He’s got a pretty mature game for his age, and I think having that experience at Worlds can only help. I’m sure he built confidence from that.”
“He’s an incredible player. His all-around game at his age is pretty impressive […] He’s earned the right to be in the conversation.”
Sidney Crosby on Macklin Celebrini’s chance to make Canadian Olympic squad in 2026. pic.twitter.com/PNWFECkEQX
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 27, 2025
Crosby believes Celebrini’s time at the 2025 IIHF World Championships has definitely upped his game. And while Team Canada could only make it to the QFs, Celebrini impressed with three goals and three assists in eight games.
Crosby was teammates with Celebrini at the World Championship and believes he has improved his game quite a bit. “I know being on the ice with them and then seeing him out there day to day and what he puts into it.”
“I’m sure that’s something that’s made him a better player right away,” Crosby said. “As the year went on last year, he got better and better, and that’ll be a big building block, and you know he’s earned the right to be in the conversation.”
While Team Canada is yet to make any announcement regarding the squad, the orientation camp provided an opportunity for Celebrini to interact with some of the best players in the league.
Crosby himself remains the centerpiece of the Canadian team with 12 points in eight games at the World Championships. But he believes Celebrini has a solid chance of making the final cut for the Men’s Hockey team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.
