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Sidney Crosby can't believe certain things about Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini
Photo credit: Edit from Athon Sports
Penguins' Sidney Crosby was recently asked about Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini, and what really stood out was what he is able to do at his young age.
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain has seen just about everything in his NHL career, but Sidney Crosby still had high praise this week for the league's newest phenom: San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini.
At only 19, Celebrini has erupted into one of the stories of the season, collecting 34 points in 24 games. That pace matches Connor McDavid's production through 25 games and trails only Nathan MacKinnon's 39 points in 23 appearances.
What Sidney Crosby said stands out the most to him about Macklin Celebrini
Crosby, who played with Celebrini at last summer's IIHF World Championship and again trained with him in the off-season, was asked what stands out most about the Sharks' rookie.
"His hunger, his passion for the game (and) how hard he works," Crosby told The Athletic.
Added Crosby: "He's an incredible player. Just his all-around game at his age is pretty impressive. He's committed defensively. He competes hard. He's got a pretty mature game for his age."
Added Crosby: "He's an incredible player. Just his all-around game at his age is pretty impressive. He's committed defensively. He competes hard. He's got a pretty mature game for his age."
He's far from alone in his admiration. As Chris Johnston reported in The Athletic, praise for Celebrini has been pouring in from all corners of the league.
Executives, scouts, and veterans alike point to his nuanced game, his relentless puck pursuit, and rare early leadership. Celebrini has already recorded two hat tricks and two overtime winners, registering at least one point in every San Jose victory.
Why the Sharks are in the mix for a playoff spot
His ascendance has helped elevate the Sharks to an 11-10-3 start and into the early playoff mix.
His rise is drawing attention even outside hockey. NBA veteran Draymond Green, who has known Celebrini since childhood through his family's ties to the Golden State Warriors, says his ability to create space and think ahead resembles the instincts of other generational talents that have cemented themselves as legends.
The Sharks and Penguins will meet again this season on Dec. 13 after Pittsburgh won 3-0 in their matchup on Oct. 18.
All in all, Celebrini's rookie season is shaping up to be one for the ages, and it certainly seems the rest of the league, including its biggest stars, has taken notice.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 94 ANSWERS Sidney Crosby can't believe certain things about Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini Is Macklin Celebrini going to be the best player in the NHL within the next 5 years? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 54.3 % |
| No | 43 | 45.7 % |
| List of polls | ||