"San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is on the verge of superstardom. A finalist for the Calder Trophy for the NHL's top rookie last season, Celebrini put together a fantastic first season in the league. Entering year two, the expectations are rising in San Jose and for their budding star. Thankfully, Celebrini's first year provided plenty of data to suggest he will hit the 100-point plateau during the 2025-2026 campaign."
"While the Sharks missed the postseason again last year, Celebrini had one of the most impressive seasons ever recorded by an 18-year-old forward. His 63 points were the third-most recorded by an 18-year-old rookie since the 2000 season, short only of Sidney Crosby's 102 points and Patrik Laine's 64 points scored in 2016-2017. That in and of itself is a remarkable achievement. The NHL is hardly a place for players under 20, let alone teenagers, but Celebrini played like a seasoned veteran immediately."
"What makes it all the more impressive is that there was nothing accidental or coincidental about his performance. Specifically, Celebrini was one of the most effective scorers in the midrange area of the offensive zone. According to NHL EDGE data from last season, he recorded 117 midrange shots on goal. That total was second in the NHL behind Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon. Of those 117 shots on goal, he scored 10 times, ranking in the 90th percentile amongst all NHL skaters."
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini recorded 63 points as an 18-year-old rookie, the third-most by an 18-year-old since 2000 behind Sidney Crosby (102) and Patrik Laine (64). Celebrini was a Calder Trophy finalist after a standout first NHL season. He ranked second league-wide with 117 midrange shots on goal, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon, and converted 10 of those shots, placing him in the 90th percentile among NHL skaters. Celebrini's scoring threat extends across the offensive zone and does not rely solely on rebounds or one-on-one plays. Those skills and underlying data support projections that he can reach 100 points in 2025-2026. San Jose missed the postseason last season despite his production.
Read at Break Away ON SI
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]