Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks’ center and the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft has been placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. The announcement came on Saturday, just two days after his impressive NHL debut, where he scored a goal and recorded an assist in a thrilling 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues. This injury means Celebrini will miss at least the next two games, raising questions about his immediate future with the team.
Celebrini’s debut was historic, as he achieved several remarkable milestones. His first goal came at the 7:01 mark of the opening period, making it the second-fastest goal scored by a No. 1 pick in their debut, trailing only Mario Lemieux, who netted a goal just 2:59 into his first game. Additionally, with his assist, Celebrini became the youngest player in NHL history to record two points in the first period of a debut, surpassing Shane Doan’s record, which stood since 1995.
Despite these achievements, Celebrini’s injury has become a concern for the Sharks. He had been nursing the lower-body issue throughout training camp and the preseason, which led to his absence from practice just before his debut. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky has stated that Celebrini will be considered week-to-week, meaning there is no definitive timeline for his return. The earliest he could play again is during Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, contingent on his recovery.
To address Celebrini’s absence, the Sharks have recalled defenseman Jack Thompson from the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League. At 22 years old, Thompson has limited NHL experience, having played only three games with no points recorded. His promotion aims to reinforce the Sharks’ roster during this crucial stretch while Celebrini remains sidelined.
While Macklin Celebrini’s strong start in the NHL showcased his potential, his injury has cast a shadow over the Sharks’ early season. As the team navigates the challenges of his absence, fans are left hoping for a swift recovery so that Celebrini can return and contribute to what promises to be an exciting season.
