Sharks Star Macklin Celebrini Returns After Olympic Success

The San Jose forward is back with his NHL team after a standout performance at the Milan Cortina Games.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini has returned to the South Bay and his NHL team after a breakout performance at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, where he helped lead Canada's hockey team to a silver medal. Celebrini said he's disappointed his Canadian side lost to the United States in the Olympic final, but he's eager to apply the critical experience he gained to help the Sharks push for the playoffs.

Why it matters

Celebrini's return is a major boost for the Sharks as they look to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run. The 24-year-old forward was a standout at the Olympics, showcasing his elite skills on the international stage and raising his profile as one of the NHL's rising young stars.

The details

Celebrini said he's excited to be back with the Sharks and ready to help the team take the next steps in their development. "We want to take those next steps and all that comes along with it: the fans, the attention," he said. "We want those expectations, we want that pressure. That means we're doing a good thing and we're trending the right way."

  • Celebrini returned to the Sharks on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The Sharks will return to the ice on Thursday, February 27, 2026 to take on the Calgary Flames.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A 24-year-old forward for the San Jose Sharks who recently represented Canada at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, where he helped lead his team to a silver medal.

San Jose Sharks

The NHL team that Macklin Celebrini plays for, based in San Jose, California.

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What they’re saying

“We want to take those next steps and all that comes along with it: the fans, the attention. We want those expectations, we want that pressure. That means we're doing a good thing and we're trending the right way.”

— Macklin Celebrini (nbcbayarea.com)

What’s next

The Sharks will look to build on Celebrini's return as they take on the Calgary Flames on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

Macklin Celebrini's return to the Sharks after his standout performance at the Olympics is a major boost for the team as they aim to make a deep playoff push. Celebrini's experience and elite skills will be invaluable as the Sharks seek to capitalize on their recent success and take the next step as an organization.