The San Jose Sharks have prime opportunities to grow their rookie’s skill and depth as well as better the team in the end. Even though the team will miss out on playoffs for the sixth year in a row, they can use this time to focus more on skill development. That focus should and will be directed toward Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith as they are going to be the base of this rebuild on offense.
Celebrini Joins the San Jose Sharks Top Line
Celebrini has been an All-Star during his rookie season with the Sharks. His ability to read plays, execute plays, score goals, and win face-offs is highly impressive and a positive sign for the franchise rebuild. With Mikael Granlund recently traded to the Dallas Stars, Celebrini has moved to the top-line centre position. His work ethic and resiliency on the ice have made I’m the best person to fill this gap.
In the first game since Granlund was traded, Celebrini proved just how much of an asset he was. He led the team with 20 face-offs against the Montreal Canadiens, scoring one goal and adding an assist. His average time on the ice came out to be 21:59, the longest he has played recently. Macklin is also leading the Sharks in points now that Granlund has moved on; he has 30 points, 17 goals and 22 assists in 43 games played.
A lot of #SJSharks youngsters, like Celebrini, not on the ice today for practice.
They’re not taking an optional, they’re being forced to take a break
Warsofsky joked that Celebrini would be out on the ice until 2 PM otherwise.
Smith & Eklund were playing ping-pong. No…
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 5, 2025
Due to the amount of ice time Celebrini and Smith logged, they were asked by head coach Ryan Warsofsky to skip Wednesday morning practice. This was not optional for the two as they were asked specifically to take a break. At this time it is no surprise that Smith and Macklin will be logging more time on the ice, but also being asked to perform at a higher level here on out.
Sharks Assisting in Smith;s Development
Smith might not be as talked about as Celebrini is, but it does not take away from the skill he brings to the team. The rookie has struggled on and off in finding his way in the NHL, adjustments take time. Smith has grown and developed throughout the season and it is noticeable to anyone watching his game. He has 22 points with eight goals and 14 assists in the 47 games played.
Will Smith now has a SIX game point streak!
#TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/MPEZIbTlbH
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) January 31, 2025
Smith has recently been on a six-game point streak, consisting of two goals and five assists. What has been noticeable about his time on the ice is that he is shooting the puck more, earlier in the season he held onto it more or passed it away. He has 63 shots on goal which has proved that his confidence on the ice has improved drastically. Warsofsky has also alluded to the fact that Smith will continue to see more ice time during the remainder of the season.
Areas San Jose Should Focus On to Get the Most Out of the Rookies
Smith and Celebrini are logging more minutes on the ice. This throws them into more high-pressure opportunities to learn and grow. The experience they are gaining and the situations they get thrown in will push them to get better and stronger.
Pairing the two rookies with veteran players has drastically improved their performance. Celebrini is starting his second game on the top line alongside William Eklund and Tyler Toffoli. Both players have had a large impact on Macklin’s game. When the three are lined up together their chemistry leads to amazing plays and goals scored.
Smith is set to be paired with Fabian Zetterlund and Andrew Poturalski for the game against Vancouver. Smith has experience with playing alongside Zetterlund but was also being mentored by Granlund. Poturalski is a new addition to the Sharks, this will be his second game with the Sharks.
Smith has been moved back and forth playing at both centre and winger. Smith has recorded 134 face-offs this season alone, with 47 wins. Macklin has 482 faceoffs this season winning 230 of them. Opportunities and experiences will drive these two to become a force later on in their careers.
On the Horizon for the Sharks
San Jose will be facing the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday, February 6th. This will be the second to last game they play before the two-week break for the Four Nations Faceoff.
Main Photo: Robert Edwards- Imagn Images
The post San Jose Sharks Focus on Opportunities for Growth Among Their Rookies appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.