Macklin Celebrini named NHL 28 cover athlete as EA honors young Sharks star

EA Sports has named San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini the cover athlete for NHL 28, the youngest in franchise history.

The announcement came Monday as EA promoted a trailer for the upcoming game. The Sharks made Celebrini the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and he has already delivered with 70 goals and 108 assists for 178 points in his first 152 NHL games.

What happened?

EA Sports revealed Celebrini as the cover athlete for NHL 28 on Monday. The Sharks selected him first overall in the 2024 draft, and he has since become the youngest NHL cover athlete in the game’s 35-year history.

The 20-year-old has already rewritten record books. He became the youngest player to represent Team Canada at the Olympics in 2026 and the youngest winner of the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA player. His rapid rise cements his status as one of the NHL’s brightest young stars.

Why it matters for Macklin Celebrini

Celebrini’s selection continues EA’s trend of featuring young talent on covers. Trevor Zegras, Cale Makar, and the Hughes brothers all landed the spot before turning 30. The Sharks now have two cover athletes in franchise history, following Owen Nolan on NHL 2001.

At 20, Celebrini is the second-youngest cover athlete ever after Connor McDavid, who appeared on NHL 16 at 19. His offensive production-178 points in 152 games-proves he belongs among the league’s elite.

What comes next?

EA’s cover history often honors longevity, but Celebrini’s youth signals a shift toward rewarding breakout stars. Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi, a Norris Trophy winner with 16 NHL seasons, is the kind of veteran candidate the league has favored in past editions.

The Predators may have their own future cover athlete in Wyatt Cullen, their 2026 first-round pick. The 17-year-old forward will play at Michigan State next winter before turning pro. If he develops into a top NHL scorer, he could land the cover spot down the line.

How the Sharks benefit

Celebrini’s cover spot gives the Sharks unprecedented exposure. The franchise has struggled to build national buzz, but his dynamic play and now-viral gaming presence could change that. His rookie season alone-70 goals and 108 assists-proves he’s worth the marketing push.

The Sharks join 14 franchises with multiple cover athletes, including the Predators’ lone appearance with P.K. Subban on NHL 19. Nashville could join the club if Josi or another young star earns the nod for NHL 28.