Macklin Celebrini: NHL Draft (Image source: IMAGN)

Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks’ first-round draft pick for 2024, has been generating a lot of buzz even before stepping onto the NHL ice.

ESPN insider Colby Cohen, who closely followed Macklin Celebrini’s Hobey Baker Award-winning 2024 campaign, is “confident” that the young prospect is destined for greatness, both on and off the ice.

“He’s about as sure a thing as you can have,” Cohen said on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast. “There is no such thing in the draft, but watching him as much as I have, I’ve never been so confident.”

Cohen drew parallels between Celebrini and NHL superstar Sidney Crosby.

“He doesn’t cheat for offense, and when do you find a teenager that doesn’t cheat for offense? It doesn’t happen,” Cohen remarked. “Sidney Crosby is probably the closest example to a guy who just never cheated for offense.”

Looking ahead to Macklin Celebrini’s rookie season in the NHL, Cohen predicted Celebrini to have similar debut season like Chicago Blackhawks’ 2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard.

“I think that he’s going to have a similarly productive year that Connor Bedard had.

“I think you’re going to see him kill penalties at some point. Connor Bedard is a little more deficient in his defensive game, [though] he’s a little bit higher end offensively,” Cohen added.

Macklin Celebrini embraces nerves and excitement as he embarks on first Sharks Training Camp

In an interview with NHL.com’s Jessi Pierce on Tuesday, the 18-year-old sensation opened up about his feelings heading into his first professional training camp.

“It’s my first training camp, so there’s definitely a lot of nerves and a lot of excitement as well,” Macklin Celebrini admitted.

However, he understands the importance of staying grounded and focused.

“I just feel like not letting it consume you, but kind of fuel you. At the end of the day, you’ve got to take care of what you can control and the rest will take care of itself, so I feel that’s what I’m focusing on.” he added.

During his time at Boston University, Celebrini scored 32 goals and provided as many assists, showcasing his talent.

He has shown excellence throughout his career, while his involvement with San Jose’s 14-and-under squad in the 2019-20 season has contributed significantly to his growth and progress.