Macklin Celebrini is a generational star, but even players of his caliber can’t drag a franchise forward on sheer brilliance alone.

The San Jose Sharks haven’t reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2019, and if they hope to break that skid, their supporting cast must rise to the occasion. The numbers make that reality painfully clear: when Celebrini registers at least one point, San Jose wins nearly twice as often as it loses. When he’s held quiet, not only have the Sharks failed to secure a single victory this season, but their offense all but evaporates.

That dynamic resurfaced Friday in a 4–1 loss to the Dallas Stars. The Sharks’ top line was effectively neutralized, and although the third line offered a flicker of life—Collin Graf hammered home his fourth of the season in the second period—it proved insufficient. San Jose’s fifth straight road loss was sealed well before the final horn.

Yet, even amid the setbacks, this remains a team moving in the right direction. After finishing dead last in each of the previous two seasons and hovering just above the basement the year before, the Sharks are beginning to show legitimate, sustainable progress.

If you're getting praised by one of the best hockey players of this generation in Sidney Crosby, you're probably doing things right.

A Goal Wiped Away

Late in regulation, Celebrini briefly appeared to breathe life into San Jose’s push. He uncorked a blistering one-timer past Jake Oettinger with 2:20 remaining, seemingly trimming the deficit to 3–2. But the celebration was short-lived. Following a Stars coach’s challenge, officials determined that Philipp Kurashev had entered the zone offside—24 seconds before the shot—nullifying what could have been a pivotal moment.

The Blueprint Ahead

If the Sharks want to follow a trajectory similar to the Colorado Avalanche of five or so years ago, the next step is clear: strategic, meaningful roster upgrades. Depth wins in the modern NHL, and San Jose remains a few well-chosen pieces away from turning competitive flashes into consistent success. Celebrini’s continued ascent only amplifies the urgency—and the opportunity.

At just 19, he sits third in the NHL scoring race with 40 points, trailing only Connor McDavid (42) and Nathan MacKinnon (48). His 26 assists rank second in the league, again behind McDavid’s 28. He’s not merely living up to expectations; he’s expanding them.

The Sharks face the Carolina Hurricanes today, carrying one of the starkest statistical contrasts in the league. When Celebrini goes pointless, they’re 0-6-2 with just eight goals to show for it. When he factors into the scoring, they surge to 13-7-1.

San Jose’s future hinges on one truth: Celebrini can be the engine, but the rest of the machine must keep pace.

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