San Jose, CA—The San Jose Sharks have shown significant improvement in the 2024-25 season, now sitting at a 6-9 record after completing a two-game sweep of the Seattle Kraken, which wrapped up their November schedule. While their record may not be impressive, there are promising signs that the Sharks are trending in the right direction this year.
After a challenging 2023-24 season, which ultimately led to securing the top overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, there is renewed optimism for the franchise. The Sharks selected 18-year-old Canadian forward Macklin Celebrini, a dynamic talent with enormous potential. Though still a teenager, Celebrini has quickly adjusted to the fast, physical pace of the NHL and has become an impactful presence on the ice.
In the first 15 games of his NHL career, Celebrini has recorded 8 goals and 6 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute consistently. Aside from a brief four-game dry spell, where he failed to register a point, he has been productive, with recent performances showing his offensive prowess. In his last four games alone, he has tallied 4 goals and 3 assists, showcasing his knack for creating scoring opportunities.
Whether skating into open ice for a personal shot or setting up teammates for chances, Celebrini’s vision and skating ability are evident.
Like many young players, Celebrini’s biggest challenge is gaining strength to compete against older, stronger players. However, this is a common hurdle for most teenagers in the NHL, and his development will continue as he gains experience.
The Sharks’ journey this season contrasts sharply with last year, when they started with a disastrous 0-10-1 record, which was followed by a 14-loss streak over a 15-game span from December into January. While the team still faces challenges, they are more competitive in 2024-25, and much of that can be attributed to the play of the talented rookie Celebrini.
As opposing teams begin to study the Sharks’ tendencies, the team will need to adapt, but with their emerging star leading the way, there is plenty of hope for the future.
