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A bright future is in the cards for Macklin Celebrini, the first overall pick of the San Jose Sharks at the 2024 NHL Draft.

NHLPA Rookie Showcase, held earlier in September, was a picture-perfect moment for one of hockey’s rising young stars.

Celebrini, who hit the ice in a San Jose Sharks jersey for the first time at the event, joined over 30 other young players to participate in various promotional activities at the annual gathering of young hockey talent, which included having their photos taken by Upper Deck for their first official NHL trading cards.

It was a welcome moment for the 18-year-old, who recalled the days he would purchase card packs, hoping to find one of his idols in the stack.

“Throughout my childhood, I collected a lot of cards,” said Celebrini. “I have a binder at home. I did that a bunch when I was younger.”

One card in his collection has become a treasured favourite.

“I am pretty sure I have this really cool Bobby Orr card,” said Celebrini of one of the game’s all-time great defencemen. “I don’t know if it is worth anything, but it looks cool.”

Now, it is his turn to be one of the most sought-after hockey cards.

And for good reason.

Celebrini, who turned 18 on June 13, checks all the boxes for a highly touted NHL prospect. A strong skater with top-end skill and a top-shelf shot, the centre’s well-rounded repertoire is also highlighted by a creative mind and high hockey IQ to go with a highly competitive nature.

He caught the eyes of many during his freshman season at Boston University.

At 17, Celebrini netted 32 goals and 64 points – both team-high marks – in 38 games for the Terriers,

On April 12, he was named the Hobey Baker Award winner as the most outstanding player in the NCAA.

Celebrini, along with fellow Sharks forward Will Smith, the fourth overall pick of the Sharks in 2023, are two major reasons why optimism abounds for a San Jose team that has missed out on the playoffs for the past five seasons.

“The guys on the team have been amazing, just reaching out to see how I’m doing and if they can help me in any way. From those texts and calls, you realize how excited everyone is about getting the season started.

“There is a great vibe and big energy around the team right now and I think that is only going to grow in the coming years. I am excited about our group.”

Celebrini should feel right at home off the ice too – he will be living at former NHL star Joe Thornton’s house during his rookie year.

Thornton, who played 15 of his 24 NHL campaigns with the Sharks, was on stage at the NHL Draft in Las Vegas when the team announced they had selected Celebrini first overall.

Hockey talk, including the leadup to San Jose’s first regular-season game, a home tilt against St. Louis on Oct. 10, is sure to be a daily topic of conversation between the two.

“That first NHL game is something I have had circled on my calendar for a while,” said Celebrini. “It’s hard to put into words how excited I am for that moment.

“This is what I have been preparing for and working towards throughout the summer and for my whole life.”

As for what he anticipates his first NHL ‘wow’ moment to be, Celebrini pointed to playing against a future Hall of Famer and three-time Ted Lindsay Award recipient.

“I think that moment for me would be being on the ice the first time against Sidney Crosby. I would love the opportunity to take a draw against him.”

As for how he thinks he would fare against Sid in the faceoff circle, Celebrini doesn’t exactly like his chances.

“I probably won’t win it, but that will definitely be a ‘wow’ moment, for sure.”

Win, lose or draw, Celebrini has plenty of other moments to look forward to.

“I can’t wait to get things going. That excitement just keeps on building every day.”