The projected first-overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, Macklin Celebrini’s sublime skill set places him above his peers.
While Macklin Celebrini may not have been a well-known name until last year – save for those who follow prospects closely – he has certainly thrust himself into the limelight this season. The Vancouver native has been an offensive force as a freshman for Boston University, putting up 19 goals and 37 points in only 23 games, good for fourth in NCAA scoring.
The dominance of the 17-year-old Celebrini has been a regular occurrence, from his time in the San Jose Jr. Sharks and Shattuck St. Mary’s hockey programs to his lone season in the USHL with the Chicago Steel. As one of the best players in his age group, Celebrini has done nothing but continue to develop at a torrid pace that has caught the attention of scouts and fans worldwide, elevating himself to the No. 1-ranked prospect for the 2024 NHL draft in the process.
What has allowed Celebrini to dominate at every level he has played at? That’s a loaded question but one only has to look at his skill set to understand how he has been able to adapt seamlessly wherever he has played.
The most impressive aspect of Celebrini’s game is how multi-faceted he is with the puck on his stick. He can exploit the defensive-zone coverage in so many different ways, whether it’s slipping a hook pass through layers of sticks or spinning off the half-wall towards the net for a quick scoring chance.
Although some people may classify this statement as broad, Celebrini truly thinks the game a step ahead of his opponents. He understands how to attack lanes in transition like very few in his draft class, using his speed and edgework to beat defenders to the outside or draw them in, opening up space in high-danger offensive zone areas for his teammates.
Another high-end aspect of Celebrini’s game is his ability to find open space to get off a shot. One only has to look at this clip of Celebrini playing versus Northeastern to see how dangerous he can be when given space.
In this clip, he slips from behind the net into a soft spot, evading both defenders who don’t know he’s there, and unleashes a powerful slapshot into the back of the net.
It would be remiss not to mention Celebrini’s effort when speaking about his game. He consistently moves his feet and looks to exploit the opposition wherever possible thanks to his awareness and first-step quickness.
In this clip, he uses his speed to beat the goalie to the puck and uses his quick hands to get off a shot and score from a near-impossible angle.
Celebrini is no slouch in his own zone, either, keeping opponents to the outside in the defensive zone with an active stick as well as often winning important defensive-zone draws that keeps the possession of the puck in his own team’s hands.
While he may not be considered a “generational” talent such as Connor McDavid or Connor Bedard, Celebrini has the ability to make a serious mark at the NHL level. He may not have a shot like Bedard or supersonic speed like McDavid, but Celebrini’s well-rounded game sets him apart from in the 2024 NHL draft class – so it should be of no surprise when he steps into the NHL and holds his own.