Shirtless Joe Thornton congratulates Sharks' Macklin Celebrini on franchise record

The Sharks legend sent a message to the young star after Celebrini surpassed Thornton's single-season points record.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:54pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, depicting a shirtless hockey player with a large beard in a dynamic, energetic pose, capturing the raw passion and emotion of the sport.A shirtless Joe Thornton congratulates young Sharks star Macklin Celebrini, whose record-breaking season has ignited hope in San Jose.San Jose Today

San Jose Sharks veteran Joe Thornton congratulated young star Macklin Celebrini after the 19-year-old broke Thornton's franchise record for most points in a single season. Celebrini finished the 2025-26 campaign with 45 goals, 70 assists, and 115 total points, one more than Thornton's 114-point season in 2006-07. Thornton, known for often going shirtless, sent his message to Celebrini in his signature style.

Why it matters

Celebrini's record-breaking season has provided renewed optimism for the Sharks, who missed the playoffs this year but are building around their young star. The passing of the torch from Thornton to Celebrini symbolizes the changing of the guard in San Jose as the team looks to end its playoff drought and become a contender once again.

The details

In the Sharks' final game of the 2025-26 season, Macklin Celebrini recorded 2 goals and 3 assists to finish the year with 115 total points, surpassing Joe Thornton's previous franchise record of 114 points set in the 2006-07 season. After the game, the 37-year-old Thornton, known for often going shirtless, congratulated the 19-year-old Celebrini on his accomplishment in his signature style.

  • Celebrini finished the 2025-26 season with 45 goals, 70 assists, and 115 total points.
  • Thornton's previous franchise record was 114 points in the 2006-07 season.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A 19-year-old forward for the San Jose Sharks who set the franchise record for most points in a single season with 115 in 2025-26.

Joe Thornton

A 37-year-old veteran forward who previously held the Sharks' franchise record for most points in a season with 114 in 2006-07.

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What they’re saying

“I believe Thornton isn't wearing a shirt as per usual but I'm not 100 percent sure because the beard is covering most of his chest 🤣”

— Pierre LeBrun, NHL Reporter

What’s next

The Sharks will look to build around Celebrini this offseason as they aim to end their playoff drought and become a contender once again in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

Macklin Celebrini's record-breaking season has provided a glimmer of hope for the Sharks, who are transitioning from the Joe Thornton era to a new generation led by their young star. The passing of the torch between the two players symbolizes the changing of the guard in San Jose as the team looks to return to the playoffs.