Sharks top pick Macklin Celebrini shares when he’ll make NHL decision – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his reporting on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.

There was a time when Macklin Celebrini was not the center of attention in the hockey world.

He was 15 years old and living in Shattuck-St. Mary’s when he was first asked for his autograph.

“It was really weird,” Celebrini smiled.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft is used to all the attention he’s received from San Jose Sharks fans on the first day of development camp. From Filip Bystedt (third development camp) to radio play-by-play announcer Dan Rusanowsky, they’ve never seen so many fans at a Sharks development camp.

“It’s nice to be wanted,” Celebrini said shyly of all the hype surrounding him. “They were there today to support. From everything I’ve heard, they’re some of the best fans in the league. So I’m excited to go play for them.”

That time should come soon. According to the May 7 Draft Lottery, San Jose Hockey Now sources have shared the consistent belief that Celebrini will turn pro with the San Jose Sharks for the 2024-25 season.

Celebrini himself said he will announce a decision shortly after the San Jose Sharks’ development camp ends on July 4: “I’ll make a decision here pretty quickly. I’m just trying to enjoy this camp, and then I guess it’s time to make a decision.”

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