San Jose Sharks young stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith have had a busy summer.
Whether it was the duo playing for their respective countries at the 2025 IIHF World Championship or doing brand advertisement with CCM (Celerbini) and Bauer (Smith), the highlight now comes at the end of July.
Smith and Celebrini were spotted training with NHL superstars Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. Celebrini skated with the two stars for Team Canada at Worlds. The Sharks’ No. 1 center now gets his best friend on the ice with the NHL stars.
Celebrini received high praise from MacKinnon during Worlds. The Colorado Avalanche’s MVP told reporters that the San Jose Sharks’ cornerstone should be in the fight to be part of Team Canada’s 2026 Winter Olympic roster.
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“I have no advice for him,” MacKinnon said to NHL.com. “He’s a pro. He is miles ahead of where I was at 18, mentally. I think his dad has given him a lot of knowledge, you know, put him in a great spot. Obviously, he was raised great, too. A great kid. He’s dominating. He’s standing out with a lot of older players. I think with a good first half he’s going to have a really good chance at the Olympic team. Really impressed with him.
“He’s amazing. He is so mature for an 18-year-old, such a great attitude. Super happy. I can tell how hard he works. He has a bright future.”
Smith, an American, likely won’t make Team USA’s 2026 Winter Olympics roster, but a terrific summer and start to the season could change that. After all, both the Sharks’ future stars are training with the NHL’s best.
Celebrini was also seen playing golf with Crosby and MacKinnon. Celebrini’s hockey idol is Sidney Crosby.
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