Mathew Barzal skated with Macklin Celebrini this summer.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- Every summer, New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal skates back home in British Columbia with a group of players.

That group includes fellow NHLers like Connor Bedard, Kent Johnson, Alex Kerfoot, and Danton Heinen, as well as junior, collegiate, and overseas players. 

This summer, he also skated with the No. 1 overall pick in this past NHL Draft, the 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini, a fellow BC guy, who is shining bright in his rookie NHL season.

Don't confuse BC with Boston College, as Celebrini played one season at Boston University. 

Although the San Jose Sharks aren't a strong team, a young team that will have to "go through pain before gain," as head coach Patrick Roy said following Saturday's morning skate, he has been a fun watch with 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points in 34 games. 

"Skated with him for the first time this summer," Barzal said. "He's a super talent. His edge work, his shot, his passing...he's a superstar."

What has allowed Celebrini to come into the NHL and make an immediate impact?

"Well, I think he's got all the all the tangibles," Barzal said. "He's got every tool. But I think what separates him is his work ethic. I think even if you watch him in the NHL, the way he competes on pucks and battles -- I saw that in the summer -- he's got endless potential.

"He was super friendly to be around in the summer. He's a great young kid. He's got a lot of energy, seems happy, and loves to be at the rink, in the dressing room, or on the ice. So he's a great kid. He's a superstar." 

Puck drop between the Islanders and Sharks comes your way closer to 8 PM ET with Brent Sutter's Islanders Hall of Fame induction ceremony beginning at 7:30 ET. 

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