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Hockey (NHL) · Rookies · published 2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00 · via Gino Hard

Sharks Name Macklin Celebrini as 11th Captain in Franchise History

Image via Gino Hard
Image via Gino Hard

San Jose named 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini the 11th captain in franchise history, filling the role after Logan Couture's retirement. Joe Thornton presented Celebrini with the jersey after practice. Celebrini is coming off a 45-goal, 115-point season, the third-most points by a teenager in NHL history.

Expanded Detail

Celebrini, 20, becomes San Jose's 11th captain after Logan Couture retired in April 2025 because of a hip injury. Couture had held the role since 2019-20. Joe Thornton, a former Sharks captain, gave Celebrini a sweater with the captain's letter after practice.

The honor follows a record-setting season: 45 goals and 115 points in 82 games, fourth in league scoring. Only Wayne Gretzky (137) and Sidney Crosby (120) recorded more points as teenagers. Celebrini also captained Canada at the world championship and played at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

Context

The appointment may energize Sharks fans and younger hockey players in the Bay Area, giving the franchise a recognizable young leader. It could also raise expectations for San Jose's rebuild and increase Celebrini's visibility in a market where star power matters. For teammates and local youth programs, seeing a 20-year-old captain may reinforce that leadership can come early, though the added pressure could test him.

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
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This summary is AI-generated and original to You Don't Know Sports; the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Sharks Name Celebrini Captain, 11th in Team History.” Browse more stories.