Macklin Celebrini Becomes Youngest NHL Cover Athlete in History

Macklin Celebrini has become the youngest NHL cover athlete in history, announced by EA Sports on Tuesday for NHL 27. The 20-year-old San Jose Sharks forward achieved this feat after a remarkable 115-point season in 2025-26, posting 45 goals and 70 assists over 82 games.

What happened?

Macklin Celebrini's historic year saw him join an exclusive list of teenagers who scored 100 points in an NHL season, alongside Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, Dale Hawerchuk, and Jimmy Carson. Celebrini reached the 100-point mark in 72 games, outpacing Gretzky (61 games in 1979-80) and Crosby (65 games in 2006-07) as teenagers.

Why it matters for Macklin Celebrini

Celebrini's achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. As the first-overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, he has accumulated 70 goals and 108 assists over 152 career NHL games with the Sharks. His impressive performance has also made him a key player for Canada, representing the country internationally twice in 2026.

What comes next?

The North Vancouver, B.C., native will now be featured on the cover of NHL 27, a prestigious honor for any athlete. As Celebrini continues to grow and develop as a player, fans can expect to see more exciting performances from the young star.

Celebrini's historic year saw him record 10 points in six games at the Milano Cortina Olympics in February and serve as captain, potted 14 points in 10 games at the world championships in May. Since being drafted as the first-overall pick in 2024, Celebrini has accumulated 70 goals and 108 assists over 152 career NHL games with the Sharks.

With this achievement, Macklin Celebrini solidifies his position as one of the most promising young players in the NHL. As he continues to break records and push the boundaries of what is possible, fans will be eagerly watching his next move.

The San Jose Sharks organization has been instrumental in Celebrini's development, providing him with the support and resources needed to succeed. As he takes on this new challenge, Celebrini will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.

Celebrini's impressive performance has also made him a key player for Canada, representing the country internationally twice in 2026. His dedication to the sport and his country is evident in his hard work and commitment to excellence.

The young forward's achievement is a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. As Macklin Celebrini continues to grow and develop as a player, fans can expect to see more exciting performances from the young star.

Celebrini's historic year saw him join an exclusive list of teenagers who scored 100 points in an NHL season, alongside Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, Dale Hawerchuk, and Jimmy Carson. Celebrini reached the 100-point mark in 72 games, outpacing Gretzky (61 games in 1979-80) and Crosby (65 games in 2006-07) as teenagers.

The North Vancouver, B.C., native will now be featured on the cover of NHL 27, a prestigious honor for any athlete. As Celebrini continues to grow and develop as a player, fans can expect to see more exciting performances from the young star.

With this achievement, Macklin Celebrini solidifies his position as one of the most promising young players in the NHL. As he continues to break records and push the boundaries of what is possible, fans will be eagerly watching his next move.

The San Jose Sharks organization has been instrumental in Celebrini's development, providing him with the support and resources needed to succeed. As he takes on this new challenge, Celebrini will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.

Celebrini's impressive performance has also made him a key player for Canada, representing the country internationally twice in 2026. His dedication to the sport and his country is evident in his hard work and commitment to excellence.

The young forward's achievement is a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. As Macklin Celebrini continues to grow and develop as a player, fans can expect to see more exciting performances from the young star.

Celebrini's historic year saw him record 10 points in six games at the Milano Cortina Olympics in February and serve as captain, potted 14 points in 10 games at the world championships in May. Since being drafted as the first-overall pick in 2024, Celebrini has accumulated 70 goals and 108 assists over 152 career NHL games with the Sharks.

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