Hockey

Macklin Celebrini Makes History as Youngest NHL Cover Athlete for NHL 27

by
Richard Hayes
July 14, 2026

In a groundbreaking announcement, the NHL revealed that San Jose Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini will grace the cover of NHL 27. At just 20 years and 31 days old, Celebrini has made history as the youngest player ever to be featured on the cover of the popular video game series.

The excitement surrounding Celebrini’s selection reflects the league’s acknowledgment of the new generation of talent emerging in hockey. “The next generation is here. Macklin Celebrini is the youngest NHL cover athlete in history,” the NHL proclaimed, hinting at the anticipation building for the NHL 27 Reveal Trailer set to air on July 16 at 11 AM ET.

As fans celebrate Celebrini’s achievement, questions arise about the future of other rising stars, particularly New York Islanders’ defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Since being selected first overall at the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer has quickly gained popularity, prompting speculation about whether he could be the cover athlete for NHL 28.

If Schaefer earns that honor, he would surpass Celebrini as the youngest player to grace the cover. With his birthday approaching on September 15, Schaefer will still be 19 when the announcement is made, positioning him perfectly to make history of his own.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.