Macklin Celebrini brings Olympics momentum to Sharks: 'Now the whole world knows'

The 19-year-old Canadian hockey star returned to the San Jose Sharks after a breakout performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Macklin Celebrini, 19, returned to the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday after an incredible performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where he led the Canadian men's hockey team in goals and shots on goal. Despite the team's overtime loss to the United States in the gold medal game, Celebrini is bringing the experience and momentum from the Olympics to help the Sharks make a playoff push in the final 27 games of the NHL season.

Why it matters

Celebrini's Olympic success has transformed the landscape around the Sharks, who have been the worst team in the league the past two seasons. His breakout performance has generated significant media attention and renewed interest from fans, who are hoping Celebrini can help turn the team's fortunes around and lead them to the playoffs.

The details

Celebrini, the only teenager to make the Canadian Olympic men's hockey team, was a breakout star of the best-on-best hockey competition, leading the tournament in goals (5) and shots on goal (28) and finishing second in points (10) behind only his linemate Connor McDavid. Despite the disappointment of the overtime loss to the U.S. in the gold medal game, Celebrini is determined to apply what he learned playing alongside the world's best players to help the Sharks make a late-season push for the playoffs.

  • Celebrini returned to the Sharks on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The Sharks have 27 games remaining in the NHL season.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A 19-year-old Canadian hockey player who was the breakout star of the 2026 Winter Olympics, leading the Canadian men's hockey team in goals and shots on goal.

Connor McDavid

Celebrini's linemate on the Canadian Olympic hockey team, regarded as one of the best players in the world.

Dan Rusanowsky

The longtime radio announcer for the San Jose Sharks.

Rick Celebrini

Macklin Celebrini's father, who is the director of sports medicine and performance for the Golden State Warriors.

Sidney Crosby

The Canadian hockey legend who was unable to play in the gold medal game due to injury, which Macklin Celebrini said impacted the whole team.

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What they’re saying

“Now, the whole world knows.”

— Dan Rusanowsky, Longtime Sharks radio announcer (San Francisco Chronicle)

“It sucks, it's a little sour. We didn't get the job done. At the end of the day we didn't win. It's bitter. It's sour. And we came so close.”

— Macklin Celebrini (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Just where the bar is at, the pace, they're so fast, the practices were the fastest I've ever been at. It's a different level. I was with some of the best players in the world, some of the best who have ever played. I can bring some of that back and know what it takes.”

— Macklin Celebrini (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Every sports franchise goes through a tough spot and maybe fans don't show up. When you're losing, you can't really expect someone to pay their money to come watch you lose. We're going to try to change that.”

— Macklin Celebrini (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Sharks have 27 games remaining in the NHL season and are currently five points out of a Western Conference wild-card spot, with two teams between them and the final slot. Celebrini is determined to apply what he learned at the Olympics to help the Sharks make a late-season push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Macklin Celebrini's breakout performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics has transformed the landscape around the struggling San Jose Sharks, generating significant media attention and renewed fan interest. The 19-year-old Canadian hockey star is now tasked with bringing the momentum and experience he gained from playing alongside the world's best players to help the Sharks make a playoff push in the final stretch of the NHL season.