Youngest Captain in Franchise History
San Jose Sharks Name Macklin Celebrini Youngest Captain in Franchise History
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Key Points
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Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension in July; the deal begins in 2027-28 and keeps him with San Jose through 2031-32, making him the franchise’s highest-paid player.
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Teammates publicly endorsed Celebrini’s leadership. Forward Adam Gaudette said, “He’s going to drive the bus for us and we’re going to follow him,” while defenseman Jacob Trouba described him as “one of those contagious guys” who makes others want to work harder.
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Before his NHL breakout, Celebrini won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s MVP after scoring 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games for Boston University; he had previously earned USHL Rookie of the Year and MVP honors with the Chicago Steel.
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Celebrini’s rookie season included 25 goals and 63 points as an 18-year-old, setting Sharks rookie records for points and assists; he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and finished as a Calder Trophy finalist.
The San Jose Sharks named 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini captain, making him the youngest in franchise history and the youngest current captain in the entire NHL. San Jose Hockey Now reported that Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, takes over after Logan Couture's injury-forced retirement left the role vacant. Sharks legend Joe Thornton presented him with the captain's jersey.
Celebrini is coming off a record-setting season with 115 points—45 goals and 70 assists—breaking the Sharks' single-season record. ABC7 News noted that the 20-year-old has already signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension that begins in 2027-28 and keeps him with San Jose through 2031-32, making him the franchise's highest-paid player.
A Star Emerges in His First Full Season
Celebrini shattered Sharks rookie records in his first year as an 18-year-old with 25 goals and 63 points. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and finished as a Calder Trophy finalist. Before his NHL breakout, he won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's MVP at Boston University, scoring 32 goals and 64 points in just 38 games.
Teammates Rally Behind Their New Leader
Sharks players publicly endorsed Celebrini's appointment. Forward Adam Gaudette said, "He's going to drive the bus for us and we're going to follow him." Defenseman Jacob Trouba described him as "one of those contagious guys" who makes others want to work harder. The organization pointed to his work ethic, all-around play, and ability to lead a young roster.
From Rising Star to Franchise Leader
Celebrini's path to captaincy started early. With the Chicago Steel in the USHL, he earned Rookie of the Year and MVP honors before heading to Boston University. His combination of scoring prowess and leadership maturity convinced the Sharks he was ready to wear the 'C' at just 20 years old—ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season.
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