Macklin Celebrini's Most Underrated Trait
“[We want to be] tenacious, highly competitive, in your face — a team that’s fast and hard to play against. That’s what you see when you watch the playoffs, that’s what wins in this league, and that’s what we hope to be.” Mike Grier in his opening press conference.
It's hard not to think about this quote when watching the projected first-overall pick, Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini is known for his shot and playmaking ability, but his most underrated trait is his tenacity. He plays every shift as if it's his last one.
Celebrini plays the game as a third line forward but with the skill of a superstar. That might sound like an insult, but it's not. It's the furthest thing from it. He has a maturity in the way he plays that is beyond what you expect to see from the not yet 18-year-old. When you hear "he plays the right way," Celebrini fits it to a tee.
This play in the National Championship semifinals vs the University of Denver sticks out.
A turnover at the blue line gives Denver a quick opportunity, and Celebrini (71 white) prevents the shot on goal with quick stick work, pushes the play to the corner, attacks a loose puck, chips the puck up, and takes a hit to make a play.
Plays like this are why Celebrini is NHL-ready before he turns 18. He is tenacious in his game, which isn't just in the defensive zone. He attacks but isn't reckless.
He pressures the defenseman at the point, is physical enough to get the puck out, and continues to attack. He recognizes that Zeev Buium is pressured and picks his pocket clean to set up the cycle.
He goes on a rampage in the Hockey East Semifinals against the University of Maine to get the puck, keep it, and get it back. Regarding puck retrievals, he is like a Golden Retriever and will do it all day until you get tired of throwing it.
On this play, he straight-up steals Harrison Scott's lunch money. Scott is about the same size as Celebrini and is a good player. He had 15 goals and 27 points this season. It just doesn't matter; when Celebrini goes behind the net, he is determined to take the puck and start the transition the other way.
Macklin Celebrini plays like he is 6'3" and 210 pounds as a 17-year-old against older competition. When Mike Grier talks about being highly skilled and in your face, this is exactly what he describes. Celebrini is going to set a new tone for San Jose Sharks hockey.