Macklin Celebrini grew up dreaming about playing NHL hockey at Rogers Arena. On Monday night, that dream will become a reality for the 18-year-old San Jose Sharks center said.

The San Jose Sharks drafted Macklin Celebrini first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. Celebrini immediately signed with the Sharks, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. So far, that move has been the correct one.

The loss spoiled the homecoming of Macklin Celebrini, the North Vancouver native who was playing his first NHL game near his hometown. Celebrini assisted on Eklund’s goal but his giveaway at the offensive blue line led to Pettersson’s first goal.

Even though he plays for the Sharks, Celebrini still has ties to the Canucks; brother Aiden was selected by Vancouver in the sixth round (No. 171) of the 2023 NHL Draft and is a defenseman for Boston University.

Celebrini has 25 points in 25 games, averages around 20 minutes of ice time per night, and regularly has to play against the opposing team’s top one or two lines. As the Christmas break begins, he has put himself in a position to win the Calder Memorial Trophy this season as the NHL’s top rookie.

Macklin Celebrini returns to his hometown of Vancouver, BC, for the first time in his San Jose Sharks and NHL career.