'It's The League That Best Prepares You For The NHL': Sharks' Macklin Celebrini Explains His Decision To Play In The NCAA

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini didn't hesitate to explain why he chose to play in the NCAA over the CHL.

Celebrini, a Canadian, played one season at Boston University and won the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA's best player. He is the youngest-ever winner of the trophy.

"The reason I chose the NCAA is because I believe it's the league that best prepares you for the NHL," Celebrini said.

Celebrini joins forces with other NCAA products in Will Smith, Collin Graf, and Mario Ferraro on the Sharks. 

Celebrini isn't the first Canadian draft prospect to choose the college hockey route over Juniors. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli was drafted third overall in 2023. 

Celebrini isn't Canada's first No. 1 overall pick to go through the NCAA route. Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power played two years at the University of Michigan. The Sabres drafted him after one year at Michigan.

Celebrini's thought that the NCAA is better for NHL development than the CHL is not a fact; it is just his opinion. Each prospect will do what's best for his development; in Celebrini's case, that is college hockey.

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