The San Jose Sharks made Boston University star centre and North Vancouver, Canada, native Macklin Celebrini the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft on Friday night, and the potential future face of the franchise was welcomed to his new team with a surprise.
To announce the pick, the Sharks enlisted the help of team legend Joe Thornton, who retired in 2022 and spent the bulk of his career with San Jose from 2005-20 and won both the Art Ross and Hart Memorial Trophies in 2006.
Thornton received quite a few cheers — from one fan in particular — as he took the stage and announced the selection of Celebrini, who Sharks fans will hope has a tenure similar to Thornton’s.
JUMBO JOE IN THE HOUSE 🔥
Joe Thornton made the pick that brings Macklin Celebrini to San Jose pic.twitter.com/imyvq5mgym
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 28, 2024
Macklin, who is 18, was named the Hockey East Player of the Year after a stellar season at Boston. He also represented Canada in the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, leading his team in scoring with four goals and four assists.
San Jose hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2019, when Thornton was still on the roster. With the top pick in the draft now on board in Celebrini, it will hope those woes end sooner rather than later.
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