From Draft Pick to Star Player

Celebrini's path to NHL stardom began in Vancouver, where he played minor hockey with the North Shore Winter Club before his family relocated to San Jose. He progressed through the USHL with the Chicago Steel, where he recorded 86 points in the 2022-23 season—the most ever by an under-17 player in USHL history. He was named Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Forward of the Year, becoming only the second USHL player to win all three awards in a single season.

At Boston University, Celebrini had an outstanding freshman year in 2023-24, recording 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games. He won the Hobey Baker Award, becoming the youngest player to receive this prestigious honor. Following his college success, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sharks on July 6, 2024, and made his NHL debut on October 10, 2024.

2024-25 Rookie Season Highlights

In his inaugural NHL season, Celebrini finished with 63 points in 70 games, tied for second in rookie scoring behind Lane Hutson. He scored 25 goals, second among rookies, and became the first rookie to score an NHL hat-trick during the 2024-25 season on April 9, 2025, against the Minnesota Wild. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Rookie Team and made him a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy.

During the early 2025-26 season, Celebrini temporarily became the NHL's leading scorer, recording 23 points through the first 15 games—a feat previously accomplished only by Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman. He has maintained his exceptional pace, recently extending a seven-game point streak with 14 points during that span, including a 20-goal milestone achieved in late December.

International Representation and Olympic Prospects

Celebrini has represented Canada on the international stage, competing in the 2024 World Junior Championships and the 2025 IIHF World Championship. At the 2025 World Championship in May, he recorded six points in eight games as Canada finished fifth after losing to Denmark in the quarterfinals. His performance caught the attention of Hockey Canada's selection committee.

The young star was invited to Hockey Canada's 2025 National Teams Orientation Camp in anticipation of the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he was the youngest player being considered for the men's team at the time. His exceptional play at both club and international levels has solidified his status as a cornerstone player for Canada's future Olympic campaigns.