German NHL Prospect Shines at Olympics, College

Macklin Celebrini, a 19-year-old Boston University standout, is captivating scouts with his offensive prowess and two-way play.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Macklin Celebrini, a 19-year-old Boston University freshman, is quickly establishing himself as one of the top hockey prospects in North America. Leading the NCAA in scoring, Celebrini has drawn comparisons to generational talents and is projected as a top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. The German-born forward recently represented Team Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcasing his skills on the international stage.

Why it matters

Celebrini's rise to prominence has captivated the hockey world, with scouts and fans eagerly anticipating his potential entry into the NHL. His combination of skill, speed, and hockey IQ has made him a must-watch player, and his success at both the collegiate and international levels has solidified his status as a future star.

The details

Born in Vancouver, Celebrini honed his skills in minor hockey before joining the San Francisco Sharks and Chicago Steel. His decision to play college hockey at Boston University has allowed him to refine his all-around game, as he's not just a scorer but a responsible two-way player. Celebrini recently represented Team Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he played alongside NHL stars like Leon Draisaitl and Mo Seider.

  • Celebrini was born on February 17, 2005, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
  • He joined the San Francisco Sharks of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL) in 2019.
  • Celebrini spent two seasons with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL), recording 18 goals and 23 assists in 52 games during the 2022-23 season.
  • He represented Team Canada at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he served as captain and led the team to a gold medal victory.
  • Celebrini participated in the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he played for Team Germany and faced a tough loss to Latvia 4-3 on February 15, 2026.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A 19-year-old Boston University freshman who is captivating scouts and fans alike with his offensive prowess and two-way play. He is projected as a top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Leon Draisaitl

An NHL star who played alongside Celebrini for Team Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Mo Seider

An NHL star who played alongside Celebrini for Team Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, we had a lot of chances...I think we were the better team today. Still, we've got a lot to clean up. Can't give them so many grade As (scoring opportunities).”

— Macklin Celebrini (NHL.com)

What’s next

Celebrini will continue to compete in the NCAA playoffs as he prepares for the 2024 NHL Draft, where he is expected to be a top pick.

The takeaway

Macklin Celebrini's rise to prominence has captivated the hockey world, and his combination of skill, speed, and hockey IQ has made him a must-watch player. His success at both the collegiate and international levels has solidified his status as a future NHL star, and the anticipation surrounding his potential entry into the league is palpable.