Sharks Place Rookie Celebrini on Injured Reserve

Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks' rookie forward and first overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, has been placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury, following an impressive debut where he scored a goal and an assist in a 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues. Celebrini's goal, scored 7:01 into the game, is the second-fastest for a No. 1 overall pick in NHL history, trailing only Mario Lemieux. He also made history as the youngest player to record two points in his debut period at 18 years and 119 days old. Celebrini had been dealing with a similar injury during preseason and is expected to be out week-to-week, with his earliest return set for a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. In a corresponding move, the Sharks recalled defenseman Jack Thompson from the AHL. The team hopes to rely on Celebrini's skills as they navigate a rebuilding phase.