Macklin Celebrini skated in a full Friday practice but did not take line rushes, leaving the San Jose Sharks captain as a game-time decision for Saturday’s home meeting with the Edmonton Oilers at 4 p.m. ET.
Celebrini has missed San Jose’s past two games with a lower-body injury. The 20-year-old went through warmups Monday in Dallas before being scratched from a 5-0 loss to the Stars. He also joined Thursday’s morning skate after sitting out the previous two practices, but did not play in the Sharks’ 3-2 overtime win over the St. Louis Blues.
The Sharks will make the final call after checking with the medical staff before puck drop. Coach Ryan Warsofsky said the team was encouraged by what it saw Friday, though Celebrini’s availability remains dependent on how he feels.
Celebrini said he had hoped to suit up against the Blues after testing the injury in warmups, but knew he could not play unless he was close to full strength. He said the decision will be made collectively with doctors and trainers, while he gives an honest assessment of his condition.
After the horn
San Jose enters Saturday at 2-1-0, and Celebrini had supplied five assists before the injury interruption. He opened the season with three helpers in a 4-3 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 1, then added two more assists in a 5-4 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings last Saturday.
The Sharks selected Celebrini first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. He was named the youngest captain in franchise history on Sept. 25 and remains the NHL’s youngest active captain.
Last season, Celebrini finished fourth in NHL scoring with 115 points, including 45 goals and 70 assists, across all 82 games. Through 154 NHL games, he has recorded 70 goals, 113 assists and 183 points.
Edmonton’s visit is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBCSCA, SNW and SN1.
