Celebrini ready for Sharks' opener after preseason injury
Macklin Celebrini is good to go.
San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed the reigning No. 1 pick will make his NHL debut in the club's season opener Thursday against the St. Louis Blues, per NBC's Sheng Peng.
Celebrini suffered a lower-body injury when he crashed into the boards during a preseason game against Utah on Tuesday. He was considered day-to-day and missed the team's final two exhibition contests.
The 18-year-old scored a goal and added an assist in his preseason debut on Sept. 22 against the Vegas Golden Knights. He was held off the scoresheet in 10:54 of action in his only other preseason appearance before suffering the injury against Utah.
Celebrini is expected to be the focal point of the Sharks' attack despite his inexperience. He projects to center the team's top line between William Eklund and Tyler Toffoli.
The North Vancouver, British Columbia, product became the fourth freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award last season, tallying 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games for Boston University.