Sabres Coach Ruff Praises Sharks' Celebrini Ahead of Matchup

Buffalo coach calls young Sharks star an "unbelievably talented kid" who can "drive your offense".

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff had high praise for San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini ahead of the teams' matchup on Tuesday night. Ruff called the 22-year-old Celebrini an "incredible talent" and "unbelievably talented kid" who can "drive your offense" and make plays that "a lot of people can't make." Celebrini is having a standout season, leading the Sharks in points, goals, and assists, and the Sabres will have their hands full trying to contain him.

Why it matters

Celebrini is emerging as one of the NHL's brightest young stars, and the Sharks are hoping his continued development can help propel them back to the playoffs after missing out last season. Ruff's praise highlights just how much of a threat Celebrini has become to opposing teams.

The details

The Sharks drafted Celebrini with the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and he has immediately lived up to the hype. The 22-year-old center leads the Sharks this season with 89 points, putting him fifth in the NHL scoring race. Celebrini's strong play has helped the Sharks improve on their dismal 2024-25 campaign, when they won just 20 games and finished with 52 points. The Sharks currently have 66 points through 61 games and are in the playoff hunt, with 8 of their remaining 21 games against other postseason contenders.

  • The Sabres and Sharks play on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET.
  • The Sharks have surpassed their point total from the entire 2024-25 season, when they won just 20 games and finished with 52 points.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A 22-year-old center for the San Jose Sharks who was the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He is having a standout season, leading the Sharks in points, goals, and assists.

Lindy Ruff

The head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, who praised Celebrini's incredible talent and ability to drive the Sharks' offense ahead of the teams' matchup.

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What they’re saying

“He scares me.”

— Lindy Ruff, Head Coach, Buffalo Sabres (The Athletic)

“Incredible talent. I watched him in the Olympics. He's an unbelievably talented kid. He's a team driver, can drive your offense, and is unbelievably competitive. He can make plays that a lot of people can't make.”

— Lindy Ruff, Head Coach, Buffalo Sabres (The Mercury News)

What’s next

The Sabres and Sharks will face off on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET. The Sharks will be looking to bounce back from losses in their last two games, while the Sabres will try to extend their seven-game winning streak.

The takeaway

Macklin Celebrini's breakout season with the Sharks has earned him the respect of opposing coaches like Lindy Ruff, who sees the young center as a true game-changer capable of driving San Jose's offense. Celebrini's continued development will be crucial as the Sharks push for a playoff berth after missing out last season.