Rookie center Macklin Celebrini shines through a tough season for the San Jose Sharks, scoring a critical goal in a 6-2 win despite earlier frustrations. At just 18 years old, he's seen as the face of the franchise and a generational talent. He hit multiple goal posts earlier in the game but maintained poise to secure his goal in the third period. Coach Ryan Warsofsky praises Celebrini's competitive spirit and leadership, hinting at a bright future for both player and team amid a rebuilding phase.
"Huge goal. And that's what I think we'll see in the future from this young man," first-year coach Ryan Warsofsky said of a player hailed as a generational talent and projected to be a No. 1 pick long before Sharks general manager Mike Grier opened the NHL draft in Las Vegas in June by announcing Celebrini's name.
"As you guys can probably see yourselves, Macklin is going to be extremely special. And I'm not even talking about the goal-scoring ability," the coach said.
"The way he competes, the way he plays the 200-foot center game at 18 years old. The way he drags people into the fight with his leadership," he added.
"Every guy is going to go through that where they're just hitting posts and it doesn't seem like they're ever going to score," Celebrini said with a laugh.
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