Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini set to return to lineup vs. Blue Jackets
The San Jose Sharks will be getting a huge boost to their lineup on Tuesday night when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets, as rookie Macklin Celebrini will return to the lineup, stating Monday after practice that he’s good to go.
The 2024 first-overall pick has appeared in just one game this season, scoring his first NHL goal and recording his first assist in 17:35 of action. It hasn’t been exactly clear what has been ailing the 18-year-old forward, however he did admit on Monday that he was injured on his first shift Oct.10 against the St Louis Blues, but didn’t want to come out of the game. The Sharks have posted a 3-8-2 record this season, and currently sit dead last in the NHL.
Originally, Celebrini’s injury wasn’t expected to be serious, however the team has taken to the side of caution as they continue throughout another rebuilding season. Considering what’s at stake for the franchise, the Sharks had no reason to try and rush him back. In Celebrini’s absence, the likes of Mikael Granlund, Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund have been carrying the load offensively. Granlund has recorded 14 points in 13 games, Toffoli has 11 points in 13 games, meanwhile, Eklund has tallied nine points in 12 contests. Fellow rookie Will Smith has just two goals in 12 games so far this season, and it will be interesting to see how Smith’s game elevates with Celebrini back in the lineup.
San Jose ranks 30th in the NHL averaging just 2.46 goals scored per game and are hopeful adding Celebrini back to the top line and top power-play unit, will be exactly what the doctor ordered for the team. The Sharks are in need of a spark, and Celebrini’s high-end talent could do exactly that. One area of Celebrini’s game that will be a focus as he gets back up to NHL speed is his ability to win faceoffs. In his lone appearance Oct.10 against the Blues, Celebrini won just one out of 14 faceoff attempts.
The Sharks host the Blue Jackets on Tuesday, meanwhile welcome the streaking Minnesota Wild to town on Thursday night, and cap off their week making a visit to New Jersey Sunday to take on the Devils.