Sidney Crosby praised Macklin Celebrini's all-around game, defensive commitment, competitiveness, and maturity at 19, noting confidence gained from the World Championships. Celebrini finished his rookie season with 63 points (25 goals, 38 assists) in 70 games and placed third in Calder Trophy voting. The 2024 first-overall pick reinvigorated the San Jose Sharks and showed consistent improvement as the season progressed. Crosby and Celebrini developed on-ice chemistry when paired together at the World Championships. Crosby said Celebrini has earned the right to be in conversations for Team Canada and other high-level selections moving forward.
Sidney Crosby knows exactly what it's like to be a first-overall draft pick entering the NHL as a teenager with immediate expectations. The 38-year-old lived through it and thrived, going on to become someone we now consider one of the best to ever play the game. Macklin Celebrini has a long way to go, but his rookie season puts him on a trajectory of being a star player in the league for years to come.
Yeah, I think he's an incredible player. Just his all-around game at his age is pretty impressive. He's committed defensively, competes hard, he's got a pretty mature game for his age. I think having that experience at Wolds can only help; I'm sure he built confidence from that. I know being on the ice with him and then seeing him out there day to day and what he puts into it, I'm sure that's something that's made him a better player right away.
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