The San Jose Sharks still don’t have a captain. According to Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now, it’s still Macklin Celebrini’s to lose. In fact, that might be understating the chances of Macklin Celebrini becoming captain.
Peng reported Monday that he checked in with a source who used the words “obvious” and “certain” in their conversation. It makes a ton of sense in the wake of his era-defining contract extension signed last month.
Celebrini is the rarest of rare in the NHL. He’s a true superstar, potentially a generational one. The Sharks, reportedly, have tried to slow-play adding any more responsibility to Celebrini’s plate. So, it appears, the question is not if, but rather when.
Macklin Celebrini Becoming Captain Should Follow Historic Season
There is no shortage of superlatives to describe Celebrini’s sophomore season in the NHL. There’s also no shortage of accolades that could lead to Macklin Celebrini becoming captain. First, he set a Sharks franchise record for points with 115. Second, Celebrini nearly took San Jose to the playoffs, a feat no one considered plausible at the start of the season. Third, he was the first teenager in nearly two decades to earn a Ted Lindsay Award nomination. Fourth, he became just the sixth teenager in league history to score 100 points in a season, joining the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby (twice), Mario Lemieux, Dale Hawerchuk and Jimmy Carson. Celebrini was also the first teenager in an NHL-headlined Olympics to play for Team Canada.
It didn’t stop after the season. Celebrini then captained the Canadian team at the World Championships over the summer. Finally, Celebrini signed a historic contract extension that, when it kicks in, will make him the highest-paid player in the salary cap era.
Though he did not win the Hart Trophy, Celebrini earned every vote he got in the truest sense of the word. It’s not likely any player, by the literal definition of ‘most value,’ meant more to their team last season than Celebrini.
A Little More Sharks Brilliance, a Little Less Cele-brilliance in 2026-27
It’s fair to say that Macklin Celebrini becoming captain would be well-earned. Teammates noticed the work he puts in, making him an easy choice for the San Jose Sharks captain job. Celebrini’s already accomplished a massive amount in just two seasons. As a result, this is probably going to be one of the most anticipated seasons in league history, let alone in just San Jose’s history. Celebrini was appointment television, factoring in on nearly one out of every two Sharks goals last season. He doesn’t need to be everything to the Sharks this season, but he does need some of his teammates to join him.
Steps forward from the likes of forwards Will Smith, Michael Misa, Igor Chernyshov and defenseman Sam Dickinson would help. San Jose added Jacob Trouba and Darnell Nurse on the back end, paying the two maligned defensemen a combined $17.5 million annually over the next four seasons. It’s an expensive daycare plan, for sure.
Meanwhile, forward Mason Marchment chose San Jose in the wake of his father’s passing. He adds another element of two-way play and depth scoring on a surprisingly deep Sharks team. Additionally, the arrival of winger Ivar Stenberg, drafted second-overall in June, is expected to help immediately.
The Sharks are ready to take a step forward. Macklin Celebrini is, clearly, becoming captain. He’s ready to lead them. The rest of the team needs to follow the example he’s set. Admittedly, general manager Mike Grier is still trying to play it cool with the expectations this season. However, in a weakened Pacific Division, these Sharks might have the goods to do some serious damage in the regular season.
For a fanbase that’s been through a lot, it’s about time.
San Jose Sharks Insider: Matter of “When” on Macklin Celebrini’s Captaincy