No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini signs with Sharks instead of returning to Boston University

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No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini signs with Sharks instead of returning to Boston University

Posted By: jasabacklink July 7, 2024

NHL

Macklin Celebrini, 18, is ready to begin his professional career. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

By Staff report, The Boston Globe

After being selected No. 1 overall in last month’s NHL Draft, there was still some question if whether Macklin Celebrini would stay at Boston University for his sophomore season or enter the pro ranks.

That question was answered Saturday, when the Sharks announced they have signed the Hobey Baker Award-winning center to a standard, entry-level contract.

“Macklin is not only a special player on the ice, but he is a poised, confident and intelligent young man off of it,” Sharks GM Mike Grier, who grew up in Holliston and played at BU, said in a statement. “His combination of skills and hockey sense is rare, and we are extremely confident that he is ready to make the transition to being a full-time NHL player. We could not be more excited to have Macklin locked in to formally join the Sharks organization for the 2024-25 season.”

The 18-year-old from Vancouver had 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 38 games for the Terriers last season, ranking second nationally in goals and third in points and helping BU reach the Frozen Four.

The 6-foot, 190-pounder finished second behind Boston College’s Will Smith in points-per-game, and Celebrini now teams with Smith in the Shark Tank, after he signed his entry-level contract in May.