It's confirmed for Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The San Jose Sharks appear ready to end their captaincy vacancy, and the answer has been obvious for months. According to Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now, it is simply a question of timing before the franchise makes it official.
It seems like it's just a matter of when the Sharks will make the announcement: Macklin Celebrini is set to become the 11th full-time captain in franchise history.
San Jose has not had a captain since Logan Couture stepped away from the role in April 2025 due to a chronic injury that ended his career. Celebrini, still just 20 years old, has quickly become the most obvious answer to fill that void.
A Breakout Season Backs the Move
Celebrini's second NHL campaign made the decision easy. He appeared in all 82 games, scoring 45 goals and racking up 115 points, a new single season franchise record.
That production placed him fourth in the entire NHL, trailing only Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, and Nathan MacKinnon. He also finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting.
Off the ice, Celebrini signed a five-year extension worth $18.8 million annually this summer, making him the highest-paid player in the league and cementing his status as the face of the franchise going forward.
International Success Adds to the Case
Celebrini has already worn a letter on the international stage, captaining Canada's roster at the IIHF World Championship and putting up four goals and 14 points. He was also considered one of Canada's top performers at the Olympics this year.
With one of the deepest prospect pools in hockey and a roster that nearly snapped a playoff drought last season, the Sharks look primed to hand Celebrini the "C" before opening night.
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