A teenage phenom is poised to make a massive impact for Team Canada at the Olympics, and he's already practicing alongside hockey royalty!
Imagine stepping onto the ice for your first Olympic practice and finding out you're going to be skating with arguably the greatest player in the world. That's exactly the reality for 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini, who is set to play a significant role for Team Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. He's not just making up the numbers; he's being integrated into a top line, practicing with Connor McDavid, widely considered the best player on the planet, and Tom Wilson.
Celebrini, who is already making waves in his NHL career, expressed his excitement, stating, "It's fun. It's great." He acknowledged the need to build chemistry but couldn't hide his enthusiasm for the opportunity. "I think we've got to get a little chemistry, but it is super cool." The trio spent an hour on the ice together, with McDavid at center, Celebrini on his left, and Wilson on the right wing. McDavid himself commented on the potential of the line, noting, "Definitely a good blend of different things, and together I think we'll make a good line."
Canada's coach, Jon Cooper, clearly agrees, though he remained measured when discussing the line combinations, emphasizing that it's only the first day of practice. He hinted that lines might shift before Canada's opening game against Czechia on Thursday. However, Cooper couldn't contain his optimism about the McDavid-Celebrini-Wilson pairing. He believes Celebrini possesses the talent to succeed on any line, much like McDavid. "I think Macklin Celebrini can play on any line and have success, as could Connor McDavid," Cooper stated. "There's so many things that go into this, and that's why it's tough to answer these questions on the first day of practice, because you have to start somewhere. We have to put a group of guys together, but I'll tell you, it sure is fun."
Cooper's confidence stems from Celebrini's maturity and hockey IQ, which far exceed his age. "He may be, what, 19 years old, his physical body is, but his acumen for the game is not," Cooper explained. "He's wise beyond his years. So, I can't sit here and look at him as this kid. I've been with him. I was with him at Worlds and followed his path closely. Speaking with the players, this kid is wise beyond his years." Cooper highlighted Celebrini's impressive NHL season, where he's accumulated 81 points (28 goals, 53 assists) in 55 games for the San Jose Sharks, making him fourth in NHL scoring and first on his team. He noted the buzz around Celebrini potentially being a contender for major awards, emphasizing that his age should be disregarded when assessing his talent. "Take his age out of it. He's a (heck) of a hockey player."
For Celebrini, skating with McDavid is an invaluable learning experience. "He's just such a unique player," Celebrini remarked. "There's no one else like him in the world. The speed and pace that he plays with, it's something I've got to get used to, but it's going to be great. If we stay together, it's just going to get better."
McDavid also shared his positive impressions of the young phenom. "I've only been around him a little bit, but even just that little bit of being around him, I can tell how much he puts into it, how hard he works, how much he cares about it," McDavid said. "It's been impressive to see. He's such a young guy, but to make this team, and not only to make this team, but he's going to be asked to play a big role, that's incredible."
But here's where it gets interesting: This isn't the first time Celebrini has been tasked with playing a significant role alongside a hockey legend for Team Canada. He previously played with Sidney Crosby at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he contributed 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) in eight games. This experience taught him a crucial lesson: even when playing with superstars, one shouldn't be afraid to assert themselves. "I think when you play with someone you looked up to and someone who is one of the best players ever, you look to defer to them and give them the puck, but they don't always want the puck," Celebrini explained.
And this is the part most people miss... This insight is precisely what Canada expects from Celebrini in Italy: confidence and assertiveness. "Just learning those situations and trusting my abilities and what I can do," Celebrini stated. Teammate Sam Reinhart echoed this sentiment, saying, "When I talk about guys not wanting to defer, guys playing with confidence, you know, that's a guy you're not going to worry (about). He wants the puck on his stick. He's going to go into a battle and you expect to come out with it."
What are your thoughts on a 19-year-old being thrust into such a prominent role on an Olympic team? Do you think Celebrini has what it takes to shine alongside McDavid, or is this too much pressure for such a young player? Let us know in the comments below!
