Sharks Name Macklin Celebrini Youngest Captain in Franchise History

Macklin Celebrini, 20, was named the 11th full-time captain in San Jose Sharks history, surpassing Patrick Marleau as the youngest player to hold the role.

The San Jose Sharks named 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini team captain on Friday, making him the youngest player to hold the position in franchise history. Celebrini, who was presented with the captain’s jersey by former captain Joe Thornton before practice, replaces the vacancy left by Logan Couture following a career-ending groin and pelvic injury. At age 20, Celebrini also becomes the youngest active captain in the NHL, surpassing 21-year-old Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Celebrini enters the role after a season where he recorded 45 goals and 70 assists for 115 points, breaking Joe Thornton’s 2006-07 franchise record of 114 points. His performance last season saw him record a point on 46.2% of San Jose’s goals, the second-highest rate in the league behind Connor McDavid. The 2024 first-overall pick is currently signed to a five-year, $94 million extension that runs through the 2031-32 season.

General manager Mike Grier noted that Celebrini earned the leadership position through his play and conduct since being drafted. The center previously served as one of five alternate captains and recently captained Team Canada during the World Cup. His 178 career points represent the fifth-most ever recorded by a teenager in NHL history, while his 70 career goals rank seventh for players under the age of 20.

San Jose enters the upcoming season looking to break a seven-year playoff drought following a 34-point improvement last year. The leadership group will integrate veteran additions including defensemen Darnell Nurse and Jacob Trouba, alongside forward Mason Marchment, to support a young core featuring Michael Misa and Will Smith.