Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - For a second-straight year, it's no surprise who goes first overall in the NHL Draft.
After winning the NHL Draft Lottery in early May, the San Jose Sharks utilized that first overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft to select standout center Macklin Celebrini from Boston University (NCAA).
As a 17-year-old, Celebrini took college hockey by storm with his 64 points in 38 games played, finishing second in scoring behind only fellow Sharks teammate and 2023 first-round pick Will Smith from Boston College. His 32 goals this season was also second in college hockey behind Anaheim Ducks prospect Cutter Gauthier’s 38, also with Boston College.
Those totals were good enough for Celebrini to win the Hobey Baker Award, making him just the fourth Freshman to win the award.
It is the first time the Sharks have selected with the first overall pick in the draft. The highest the Sharks had previously selected in franchise history was second overall in 1997, where they took franchise legend and all-time games played leader Patrick Marleau.
The Sharks also had a second first-round selection with the 11th overall pick, originally owned by the Buffalo Sabres, where they took defenseman Sam Dickinson out of the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League.