Macklin Celebrini needs to be the captain of the San Jose Sharks by the start of the 2026-27 season. He's proven himself worthy of the title in his first two seasons.
What makes Macklin Celebrini a great leader?
He's commanding the respect a captain should have, and the Sharks can firmly establish the next chapter of franchise history by giving him the role.
Macklin Celebrini has already exemplified many qualities that make a good captain, including his work ethic and ability to lead by example. His teammates respect him tremendously, with Ryan Reaves saying he's a fan of Celebrini's on-ice presence.
How do his teammates view him?
Tyler Toffoli added that Celebrini is an intense human being who makes those around him want to be better. Toffoli also spoke positively about the possibility of Celebrini becoming captain, saying he leads by example and works hard.
On May 14, 2026, Chris Johnston reported that Macklin Celebrini would remain as captain for Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championship, with Sidney Crosby wearing an "A". This decision was made after a player-led discussion, where the players wanted Celebrini to keep the "C".
What's next for Macklin Celebrini?
The Sharks should see Celebrini's success at the World Championship as a sign that he's ready to take on more responsibility within the franchise. With his natural talent and leadership skills, he's poised to lead the team to new heights.
Macklin Celebrini's acclaim on an international level started at the Olympics, where he was one of Canada's best players and garnered high praise from big names in hockey, including Sidney Crosby. He's currently showing why he deserves an NHL captaincy by wearing the C for Canada at the World Championship.
The World Championship may not be the ultimate indicator of who's who in hockey, but Celebrini keeping the captaincy after Crosby's arrival says a lot about his abilities. He's getting respect from the sport at large, and the Sharks should take notice.
Macklin Celebrini has been gearing up for the captaincy since the start of his rookie season, and he was an alternate captain this season as the Sharks continued their captainless, post-Logan Couture era. But far more importantly than just the title, he figured out how to be a team leader, something the Sharks should count on from him for many seasons to come.