For a few years, the San Jose Sharks were rebuilding, and young center Macklin Celebrini was thinking about getting past that time with the team. The ups and downs of the franchise have been well documented, but a player of Celebrini’s caliber could build new hope for the fans. His growth and development on the international scene, especially amid some of the best veterans around, is crucial so that he might meaningfully help the Sharks bounce back in the NHL season ahead.
Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith Set the direction for the New Era of the San Jose Sharks
The IIHF World Championship for 2025 is ongoing, and the 18-year-old Celebrini is acquiring valuable experience, gaining confidence, and taking notes from the likes of Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon on Team Canada. He had grown up watching these men on television, but now, on the ice with them, it gives a whole new level of exposure. This is essential for the player tasked with seeing through a turnaround for the Sharks, who had him picked first overall in 2024.
The rookie NHL season of Celebrini had a strong impact in the league, 63 points in 70 games. Nominated for the Calder Trophy alongside Dustin Wolf and Lane Hutson, this honors his instant impact upon arrival. Beyond his skills, his thought process is leadership-wise, where he sees the need for chemistry and some smart additions to the young core the Sharks now have. From Celebrini's point of view, it's not about individual improvement, but raising the team.
Meanwhile, his teammate, Will Smith, is filling in for Team USA, playing fast-paced and competitive hockey with seasoned players like Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller. Smith gained 45 points last season in his rookie year and views this international play as a stepping stone toward bigger responsibilities back home. With Ryan Warsofsky as the coach of both Team USA and Smith, the player is being groomed for sustenance.
Warsofsky sees the value of having the two players soaking in experience in challenge-filled environs; that little taste of competitive hockey will fuel the Sharks' ambition to become a team that no longer accepts the loss. According to him, San Jose is slowly climbing out of the dark tunnel, and the next step involves building a winning culture, a culture in which young players like Celebrini and Smith will be the foundation blocks.
Also Read: Macklin Celebrini's night to remember with a hat trick becomes a dream come true for a young fan
These have been termed rebuilding years for the San Jose Sharks, but the rise of Mavericks Celebrini and Will Smith as leaders has set in some optimistic views. Growth in international competition will likely be a sign that the Sharks will be more competitive and energized in the coming years.
Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith Set the direction for the New Era of the San Jose Sharks
The IIHF World Championship for 2025 is ongoing, and the 18-year-old Celebrini is acquiring valuable experience, gaining confidence, and taking notes from the likes of Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon on Team Canada. He had grown up watching these men on television, but now, on the ice with them, it gives a whole new level of exposure. This is essential for the player tasked with seeing through a turnaround for the Sharks, who had him picked first overall in 2024.
Celebrini expresses strong optimism about the Sharks' future, emphasizing the importance of taking the “next step” in their rebuild. He believes that with the right strategy and commitment, the team can build a competitive roster and foster a winning cul… https://t.co/VfgckiuopP
— Sports News & Videos (@robinsportsnews) May 18, 2025
The rookie NHL season of Celebrini had a strong impact in the league, 63 points in 70 games. Nominated for the Calder Trophy alongside Dustin Wolf and Lane Hutson, this honors his instant impact upon arrival. Beyond his skills, his thought process is leadership-wise, where he sees the need for chemistry and some smart additions to the young core the Sharks now have. From Celebrini's point of view, it's not about individual improvement, but raising the team.
Celebrini eager for Sharks to take ‘next step’ in rebuildhttps://t.co/NLj1KVX0qY
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) May 18, 2025
Meanwhile, his teammate, Will Smith, is filling in for Team USA, playing fast-paced and competitive hockey with seasoned players like Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller. Smith gained 45 points last season in his rookie year and views this international play as a stepping stone toward bigger responsibilities back home. With Ryan Warsofsky as the coach of both Team USA and Smith, the player is being groomed for sustenance.
Warsofsky sees the value of having the two players soaking in experience in challenge-filled environs; that little taste of competitive hockey will fuel the Sharks' ambition to become a team that no longer accepts the loss. According to him, San Jose is slowly climbing out of the dark tunnel, and the next step involves building a winning culture, a culture in which young players like Celebrini and Smith will be the foundation blocks.
Also Read: Macklin Celebrini's night to remember with a hat trick becomes a dream come true for a young fan
These have been termed rebuilding years for the San Jose Sharks, but the rise of Mavericks Celebrini and Will Smith as leaders has set in some optimistic views. Growth in international competition will likely be a sign that the Sharks will be more competitive and energized in the coming years.
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