The San Jose Sharks made Boston University forward Macklin Celebrini the first pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday night at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
This was the first time in the history of the Sharks franchise that they had the No. 1 overall pick. They have finished second overall three times and not since 1997, when they selected Patrick Marleau.
Celebrini, who turned 18 this month, finished second in the NCAA with 32 goals and third overall with 64 points in 38 games for the Terriers this past season. He won Hockey East Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year. The Vancouver native capped his year by becoming the youngest player ever to win the Hobey Baker Award as the Best Men’s Player.
Celebrini, the highest-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, has said it would be good for him to return to Boston University for another year, but the Sharks are looking to boost their lineup right away.
“I think he has a special mentality to improve himself [and] pushing themselves. Super competitive,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in May.[He] brings it every day, and already… he has a high degree of professionalism. I think he gives himself every opportunity to succeed.”
Only two of the top picks since 2006 have not gone straight to the NHL after the draft: defenseman Owen Power (Michigan, 2021) of the Buffalo Sabres and Erik Johnson (Minnesota, 2006), who was selected by the St. Louis Blues.
The Sharks haven’t made the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 2018-19 season and now have a new piece as the franchise continues to rebuild under Grier.
