In a groundbreaking announcement, the NHL revealed that San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini will be the face of NHL 27, making him the youngest athlete ever to grace the cover of this iconic video game franchise. The excitement surrounding this news reflects the rising star’s impressive trajectory in the league.
At just 20 years old, Celebrini is not only a testament to the Sharks’ commitment to nurturing young talent but also a symbol of the next generation of hockey players ready to take the spotlight. Selected first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini has quickly made a name for himself, following a remarkable collegiate career at Boston University, where he became the youngest recipient of the Hobey Baker Award, honoring the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player.
Celebrini’s rookie season with the Sharks was a noteworthy one, as he played in 70 games and racked up 63 points, comprising 25 goals and 38 assists. His impressive debut earned him a finalist spot for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s Rookie of the Year, although the honor ultimately went to Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens.
Building on his rookie success, Celebrini took a significant leap in his second season, participating in all 82 games and amassing a staggering 115 points, including 45 goals and 70 assists. His performance not only solidified his status as a key player for the Sharks but also placed him fourth in the voting for the league MVP Award.
The anticipation continues to build as fans look forward to the reveal trailer for NHL 27, set to drop on Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. ET on the EA Sports NHL YouTube channel. While the game is projected for release in September, the trailer may provide fans with an exact launch date and a first glimpse of what to expect in this new installment.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
