Macklin Celebrini Talks Sharks Off‑Season Moves and Captaining Crosby
Macklin Celebrini, the 20‑year‑old San Jose Sharks forward, sat down for a Q&A on 3 Jul 2026 to detail his summer highlights, the captaincy experience with Sidney Crosby at the World Championships and the Sharks’ aggressive off‑season roster overhaul.
Celebrini said the best moment of his summer was attending the Canada‑Switzerland soccer match in Toronto, where Canada fell 2‑1 in the group stage. He praised the national team’s energy and the tournament’s growing impact on FIFA, noting the experience reminded him of his dual‑sport childhood.
Growing up in North Vancouver, Celebrini split his time between hockey and soccer, often watching World Cups and Whitecaps games. He admits hockey eventually became his primary passion, but soccer still holds a place in his routine, from casual foosball sessions to running a mini‑camp for 40 young fans as part of an Airbnb experience.
During the recent World Championships, Celebrini wore the “C” in a locker room that also featured Sidney Crosby, Ryan O’Reilly and John Tavares. He initially pushed back, insisting Crosby should lead, but the coaching staff asked him to take the role. Celebrini described the moment as “really cool,” emphasizing the humility and approachability of Crosby, who he says is “just a normal guy” despite his legend status.
Celebrini highlighted Crosby’s down‑to‑earth demeanor. He noted that off the ice, Crosby is easy to talk to and treats teammates like anyone else. This human side, Celebrini believes, is what makes the captaincy so valuable beyond the on‑ice responsibilities.
The Sharks have been busy. Celebrini mentioned the recent draft of Ivar Stenberg, the signings of Mason Marchment and Jacob Trouba, and the acquisition of Darnell Nurse. He expressed excitement about the blend of veteran grit and youthful talent, saying the roster changes give the team a fresh identity heading into the 2026‑27 season.
He believes the added depth will push San Jose deeper into the playoffs. The combination of seasoned defensemen like Nurse and emerging forwards such as Stenberg creates a competitive environment that should elevate the Sharks’ performance.
Celebrini plans to keep sharpening his two‑way game in training camp, while still nurturing his love for soccer through community events. He hinted that his off‑ice projects, like the mini‑camp, help him stay grounded and connected to fans, a balance he values as he aims for a breakout NHL season.
Celebrini’s perspective offers a glimpse into the locker‑room culture shaping San Jose’s strategy. His endorsement of the new signings and his personal growth from captaining a legend suggest the team is building both skill and chemistry, key ingredients for a successful campaign.
Fans can look forward to a Sharks squad that blends veteran leadership with youthful energy, guided by players like Celebrini who bring a global sports mindset to the ice. The upcoming season promises high‑tempo play, strategic depth and a renewed push for the Stanley Cup.