Macklin Celebrini receiving early comparisons to Connor Bedard and Sidney Crosby

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Mark Parsons
August 11, 2024 (5:38 PM)

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San Jose Sharks' first-round draft pick for 2024, Macklin Celebrini, has been creating quite a stir even before his NHL debut. ESPN insider Colby Cohen, who closely followed Celebrini's Hobey Baker Award-winning season in 2023-24, believes the young prospect is set for a remarkable career on and off the ice.

According to Cohen, Celebrini's focus isn't on material gains, which sets him apart.

"He's about as sure a thing as you can have," Cohen said on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast. "There is no such thing in the draft, but watching him as much as I have, I've never been so confident."

ESPN insider sets high expectations for Macklin Celebrini

Cohen also compared Celebrini's potential trajectory to that of NHL superstar Sidney Crosby. He noted that finding a young player who prioritizes more than just offensive play is rare, likening Celebrini's development to Crosby's. Cohen predicts that Celebrini will have a rookie season similar to that of the Chicago Blackhawks' 2023 first-overall pick, Connor Bedard. He envisions Celebrini having a productive year and contributing defensively, perhaps even killing penalties, though he acknowledges Bedard's higher-end offensive abilities.

As Celebrini gears up for his first Sharks training camp, he shared his mix of nerves and excitement in an interview with NHL.com's Jessi Pierce. The 17-year-old phenom is focused on staying grounded and not letting the pressure overwhelm him.

"I just feel like not letting it consume you, but kind of fuel you. At the end of the day, you've got to take care of what you can control and the rest will take care of itself, so I feel that's what I'm focusing on.»

Celebrini's impressive stats during his time at Boston University, where he scored 32 goals and added 30 assists, highlight his elite talent. His continued development under the guidance of San Jose's staff has everyone watching with great anticipation as the 2023-24 season unfolds.

Source: Sportskeeda
ESPN insider sets high expectations for Macklin Celebrini with comparisons to Sidney Crosby