​LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 09: Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks is recorded by TNT during the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour at City National Arena on September 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 28: Former NHL player Joe Thornton (L) poses for photos with Macklin Celebrini after he was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the first overall pick of the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 09: Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks is recorded by TNT during the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour at City National Arena on September 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) GettyMacklin Celebrini is the officially the San Jose Sharks’ captain. Sharks legend Joe Thornton made it official, presenting Celebrini with his jersey featuring the C.Celebrini, 20, becomes the youngest captain in both franchise and NHL history. The young star has turned heads within the hockey community, particularly with his impact on the Sharks.Many have raved about the Vancouver native’s skills and hockey IQ, which were showcased during the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.It has been an eventful offseason for Celebrini. He signed a lucrative five-year, $94 million contract extension, with an $18.8M AAV. That contract kicks in next season.Additionally, Celebrini was officially named cover athlete for NHL 27. In doing so, he became the youngest player cover athlete in the history of EA Sports’ NHL franchise.The future is bright for Celebrini. He is entering his third NHL season and has already established himself as one of the top forwards in the league. The sky’s the limit for the 2024 1st overall pick, as he aims to lead the Sharks to a Stanley Cup. Joe Thornton Presents Macklin Celebrini as New Sharks CaptainGettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 28: Former NHL player Joe Thornton (L) poses for photos with Macklin Celebrini after he was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the first overall pick of the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Joe Thornton officially presented Macklin Celebrini as the 14th captain in franchise history. Thornton entered the Sharks’ locker room holding Celebrini’s new jersey, as management and his teammates all embraced and congratulated him.“Gentlemen, I have the pleasure of introducing the captain of the San Jose Sharks. I know how much this guy means to everyone in this room and the whole Bay Area. So, Macklin, get up here, my friend,” Thornton said in a video posted on the Sharks’ X account. “Come on, boys, give him a hug.”General manager Mike Grier also chimed in and praised Celebrini for exemplifying what it means to be a leader.“Your hard work, the way you lead our group. Just