The San Jose Sharks have emerged victorious in the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery, securing the coveted first overall pick. General Manager Mike Grier has made it clear that the team's choice is none other than the highly touted Macklin Celebrini.
The San Jose Sharks have triumphed in the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery, securing the first overall pick after a challenging season. The team's ownership of the highest odds, a consequence of their disappointing 19-54-9 record, has propelled them to the top spot in the draft.
The Sharks' first overall selection will undoubtedly be Macklin Celebrini, a 17-year-old prodigy currently plying his trade at Boston University. Celebrini's exceptional performance at the collegiate level, where he tallied 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games, has solidified his status as the draft's most coveted prospect.
General Manager Mike Grier has openly expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to draft Celebrini, recognizing him as a "nice prize" after the team's challenging season. Celebrini's versatility and ability to excel in both offensive and defensive zones have impressed Grier, who praised his professional attitude and relentless work ethic.
Celebrini's potential for immediate NHL success is further enhanced by his experience at the World Juniors tournament, where he showcased his exceptional skills by registering four goals and four assists in five contests. His eligibility to participate in the tournament for two more years underscores his longevity as a top-tier player.
The Sharks' acquisition of Celebrini will serve as a cornerstone for their future success, infusing the team with a young and talented star who possesses the potential to lead the franchise back to prominence.
In addition to securing the first overall pick, the San Jose Sharks will also have the opportunity to select additional players in the second round (14th overall) and third round (40th overall).
Rounding out the top three in the draft order are the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks, who hold the second and third overall picks, respectively. The Blackhawks and Ducks previously held the top two spots in the 2023 draft, selecting Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli, respectively.
The NHL Draft will take place on June 28, where the San Jose Sharks will formally announce their selection of Macklin Celebrini as the first overall pick. The addition of Celebrini to the Sharks' roster is expected to ignite a new era for the franchise, bringing hope and excitement to their passionate fan base.
