Macklin Celebrini’s Next Challenge: Leading the Sharks at 20

Written by Josie Dinonsie

Macklin Celebrini may only be 20, but the expectations on him have not been forgiving. Now, with a “C” on his chest, those expectations are even bigger.

Celebrini was named the youngest San Jose Shark to become captain in franchise history and is now trusted with a leadership role that extends beyond performing well on the ice. His ability to step into this role and lead the team will impact a franchise rebuild that is in full swing, all while he continues establishing himself as a young player in the NHL.

“Huge honor. I think just something that I can't really take lightly," Celebrini said. "Obviously, there's a responsibility that comes with that, but at the same time, I'm not really going to change who I am or what I do.”

Now in his third season, Celebrini's character as a teammate will be tested, not just his ability as a player. Being captain doesn't always mean being the loudest, most experienced, or even most skilled, though Celebrini certainly doesn't lack skill. Being captain means showing consistency, putting in the mental preparation, carrying yourself with poise, and responding maturely when things don't go as planned.

Those are the qualities that will truly be tested during the 2026-27 season. Does Celebrini have what it takes to be an impactful captain while leading a team through a rebuild? He will be responsible for setting the standard for a young Sharks team that is still figuring out its identity.

With that responsibility comes pressure for Celebrini, though pressure isn't a new concept for him. He entered the NHL as the number one pick in the 2024 draft, immediately leaving the Sharks community excited for the future of the team. Though he was able to show his immense skill quickly, every move he made, whether it was a stunning goal or a turnover, was viewed through a lens of expectation, with an emphasis on proving himself worthy of being the first overall pick.

Becoming captain at 20 years old draws even more attention to him, with people constantly measuring whether he is capable of being a team leader at such a young age.

Fortunately, Celebrini isn't alone in tackling this new position.

One of the biggest sources of support in Celebrini’s development and growth in San Jose has been his friendship with teammate Will Smith. The duo came into the organization at a similar time and have leaned on each other during many phases of the Sharks' rebuilding process. Rather than strictly competing against each other as rookies, their bond connected them through the pressures that come with being big parts of a franchise's future.

Smith and Celebrini have improved together on and off the ice, learning important lessons about being teammates and players in the NHL. Their companionship has given Celebrini support throughout the process, allowing him to develop without having to carry the burden alone.

Smith hasn't been the only source of support, though. The whole Sharks team has created an environment where players can develop personally and as a team. Though Celebrini gets to wear the “C” on his jersey, many players are contributing to the team's growth.

"I think that's the special thing about our group. We've built such a cool culture and relationship with each other, where we're all super tight," Celebrini said. "It's not just going to come from me or (coach Ryan Warsofsky). I think it's going to come from our whole group.”

That could make Celebrini’s transition into leadership a lot smoother. He doesn't have to know all the answers or have everything figured out at 20. But he does have to consistently set an example every day, exemplifying what the Sharks want their future to look like.

Wearing the “C” doesn't mean that Celebrini has already reached the highest point of his potential. He still has to continue developing as a player and becoming what the organization expects him to be. But the captaincy is a sign that he is trusted to grow into that player while helping those around him reach their true potential, both as individual players and teammates.

Celebrini’s real challenge now is to prove that he is everything the league expects him to be as a player while carrying the responsibility of leading a team, something the Sharks organization and community are confident he can do.