Macklin Celebrini Shines in Milan Cortina as Sharks Say 'He's the Best Player in the World'

Macklin Celebrini, the 19-year-old San Jose Sharks center and the youngest NHL player in the men's tournament at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortina, has emerged as one of the event's defining performers. He is the tournament's second-leading scorer behind linemate Connor McDavid and helped Team Canada advance to the semifinals with a three-point quarterfinal performance that included the primary assist on an overtime winner.

Macklin Celebrini: tournament production and landmark plays

Celebrini has been a consistent offensive force through the preliminary round and quarterfinals, compiling five goals and four assists. He entered the Olympics with an 81-point NHL season pace (81 points in 55 games) and has translated that regular-season production into immediate international impact.

• Historic moment: Celebrini became the first NHL player to score on a penalty shot in an Olympics, executing a move that began as a fake backhand before switching to his forehand and lifting the puck past Team France's goalie.
• Quarterfinal highlight: In the quarterfinal win over Czechia, Celebrini recorded three points, including the primary assist on Mitch Marner's 3-on-3 overtime winner. Celebrini's drop pass freed Marner to beat the goaltender late in the extra session.
• Earlier influence: Celebrini scored early in the quarterfinal after a Connor McDavid assist and later combined with McDavid to set up a power-play goal that tied the game.

Why Sharks teammates say Celebrini’s rise is no surprise

Members of the Sharks organization have repeatedly emphasized that Celebrini's Olympic breakout is consistent with what they see in practice and games. Teammates described him as one of the best players in the tournament and said his play has not surprised those who work with him daily.

That confidence is reflected in how Celebrini has been deployed on the Canadian line chart: he has skated alongside Connor McDavid and, at times, Nathan MacKinnon, creating a unit that puts three of the league's top scorers on the same line. That proximity to elite playmakers has amplified his chances, and Celebrini has repeatedly shown the awareness to find the right spots and make the simple plays that produce high-value chances.

Context on the ice and what comes next

Celebrini's performance has been a visible factor in Canada's march through the tournament. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments — from a successful Olympic penalty shot to a multi-point quarterfinal night — has helped Canada reach the semifinals, where they will face Finland. The men's hockey tournament runs through the scheduled dates of the Winter Games, and Canada's next match will determine whether Celebrini and his teammates play for gold or contend for a medal in the subsequent game.

Family presence and composure under pressure

Celebrini's family has been present at Santagiulia Arena to watch key moments, and observers note his calmness in high-stakes situations. That composure has shown up in his decision-making on the ice, particularly in plays that require quick reads and precise timing, both with and without the puck.

As the tournament progresses, Celebrini's combination of historic plays, steady point production, and endorsements from teammates frames him as a central figure for Team Canada in Milan Cortina. Recent performances have reinforced the view inside his club and on the Olympic stage that his talent is translating into immediate international relevance.