Macklin Celebrini: The Rising Star of the San Jose Sharks
As the San Jose Sharks gear up for the new NHL season, all eyes are on their promising forward, Macklin Celebrini. Fresh off being the first overall pick in the NHL Draft this past June, Celebrini is preparing to make his highly anticipated debut in the National Hockey League. While he has shown immense potential, there are still areas he aims to refine as he transitions from junior hockey to the professional stage.
A Glimpse into Celebrini’s NHL 25 Rating
One interesting aspect of Celebrini’s journey is his performance in the virtual realm of hockey. In EA Sports’ NHL 25, he boasts an overall rating of 82. While this places him just shy of the coveted top 300 players list—where the cutoff is 84—it’s a promising start for the rookie. Celebrini expressed his surprise and satisfaction with this rating in a promotional video for EA Sports, stating, “Way better than I thought it would be, so, I’m happy.”
Initially, he anticipated a rating in the 70s, making his 82 rating a pleasant surprise. “I hope I can get this a little higher in the coming years,” he added, reflecting the ambition that drives many young athletes. For now, he is content with his rookie rating, recognizing it as a stepping stone in his burgeoning career.
Comparisons with Last Year’s Top Pick
To put Celebrini’s rating into perspective, last year’s first overall pick, Connor Bedard, is rated 88 in NHL 25, a jump from his previous rating of 83. This comparison highlights the competitive nature of the league and the expectations placed on young talent. Bedard’s higher rating underscores his immediate impact in the NHL, setting a benchmark for Celebrini and others in his draft class.
Sharks’ Representation in the Top 300
Celebrini is not the only Shark making waves in the NHL 25 ratings. Several of his teammates have also made the Top 300 list, showcasing the depth of talent within the organization. Tyler Toffoli leads the Sharks with an overall rating of 86, followed closely by Mikael Granlund and Logan Couture, both rated at 85. Jake Walman rounds out the group with a rating of 84. This collective strength indicates that the Sharks are not just relying on their rookie sensation but have a solid roster ready to compete.
The Competitive Landscape
The NHL landscape is filled with talent, and over 60 players have achieved an overall rating of 84 or higher in NHL 25. Notable names include Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken, Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Simon Nemec of the Carolina Hurricanes. This competitive environment serves as both a challenge and motivation for Celebrini as he looks to carve out his place in the league.
At the pinnacle of the ratings is Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, who leads all NHL players with an impressive overall rating of 97. McDavid’s accolades, including three Hart Trophies and five Art Ross Trophies, solidify his status as one of the greatest players in the game today. For a rookie like Celebrini, competing against such established stars is both daunting and inspiring.
Upcoming Preseason Debut
As the Sharks prepare for their preseason games, Celebrini is set to make his debut on Sunday night against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center. This game marks a significant milestone in his career, as he steps onto the ice in an NHL jersey for the first time. The Sharks have a total of six preseason games lined up, leading to their regular season opener on October 10 against the St. Louis Blues.
The anticipation surrounding Celebrini’s debut is palpable, not just among fans but also within the Sharks organization. His performance in these games will be closely monitored as he seeks to demonstrate that he belongs among the NHL’s elite.
In summary, Macklin Celebrini’s journey is just beginning, and while he has much to prove on the ice, his early achievements in the virtual hockey world and the support from his teammates set a promising foundation for his career. As he prepares for his first game, the hockey community eagerly awaits to see how this young talent will unfold in the fast-paced world of the NHL.