Projected 2024 1st pick Macklin Celebrini comments on returning to the NCAA

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James Connelly
June 8, 2024 (3:38 PM)

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Macklin Celebrini is projected to go first overall in the 2024 NHL draft and may return to the NCAA for a sophomore campaign before making the jump to pro hockey.

Pretty much every single scout in the NHL believes that Macklin Celebrini will be going first overall to the San Jose Sharks later this month and for good reason. The Boston Terrier performed exceptionally last year winning the Hobey Baker as the NCAA's top player and being arguably one of the best players outside of the NHL.

Many feel he is ready to make the jump to the NHL but Celebrini has hinted at potentially returning to BU for a sophomore year.

"It would just give me a little bit more time to develop. There's never really shame or there's nothing wrong with just taking your time and just improving a little bit more, getting stronger, getting bigger, getting faster. So I feel like, in those ways, another year would benefit me just to get more physically ready, and just make sure I'm very fit and strong when I try to make that jump." - Macklin Celebrini on returning to BU for a second year

If he does return, he will play with former teammate and top 2024 draft prospect Cole Eiserman and look to win a national championship with the Terriers.

We will wait to see what happens this summer if Celebrini will make the jump or not but there is certainly no shame in heading back to the NCAA for a sophomore year, which other top prospects have done recently including Owen Power, Matty Beniers, and Cutter Gauthier.