Archive · 26 Sep 2026
Macklin Celebrini Named Youngest Captain in Sharks History
Macklin Celebrini is now the captain of the San Jose Sharks.
He is 20 years old, making him the youngest captain in Sharks history.
He is also the youngest current captain in the NHL.
The team chose him because he works hard and helps lead the players.
Celebrini had a very strong season with 45 goals and 70 assists.
His 115 points broke a Sharks record previously held by Joe Thornton.
Thornton gave Celebrini his No.
71 jersey at the captain announcement.
Celebrini will continue playing for San Jose under a new five-year contract beginning in 2027-28.
Mike Grier named 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini captain of the San Jose Sharks on Friday.
Celebrini is the franchise’s 11th full-time captain and the NHL’s youngest current captain.
Former captain Joe Thornton presented Celebrini with his No. 71 jersey after practice at Sharks Ice.
Celebrini set a Sharks record with 115 points during the 2025-26 season, surpassing Thornton’s previous mark of 114.
He signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension beginning with the 2027-28 season.
- Who
- Macklin Celebrini was named captain by Sharks general manager Mike Grier; Joe Thornton presented him with his jersey.
- What
- Celebrini became the San Jose Sharks’ 11th full-time captain and the youngest captain in franchise history.
- When
- The announcement was made on Friday, after Celebrini’s record-setting 2025-26 season.
- Where
- The announcement followed practice at Sharks Ice in San Jose.
- Why
- Grier cited Celebrini’s hard work, leadership and ability to push the team, while his 115-point season strengthened the case for his appointment.
- Age
- 20
- Team
- San Jose Sharks
- Captaincy status
- 11th full-time captain in franchise history
- 2025-26 statistics
- 45 goals, 70 assists and 115 points in 82 games
- Previous Sharks points record
- Joe Thornton’s 114 points in 2006-07
- Contract extension
- Five years and $94 million, beginning in 2027-28
- Jersey number
- No. 71