As NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly revealed the results of the 2024 NHL draft lottery, the San Jose Sharks secured the first overall pick, adding a sense of excitement and anxiety to the event. Macklin Celebrini, the expected first overall pick from Boston University, shared his feelings about this unique and special moment. The Sharks, who finished last in the overall standings, retained their position and will have the opportunity to select Celebrini as the top pick in the upcoming NHL draft.
Macklin Celebrini, a Vancouver native, has strong ties to the Bay Area as the son of Rick Celebrini, the Golden State Warriors director of sports medicine and performance. Having lived in the San Jose area and played for the San Jose Junior Sharks 14U AAA team, Celebrini’s connection to the region adds an interesting element to the upcoming NHL draft. Winning the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top men’s hockey player, Celebrini could make history by becoming the first player to win that award and then go on to be selected first overall in the NHL draft.
As the draft approaches, Celebrini faces a decision whether to return to Boston University for another season or make the jump to the NHL immediately. Sharks general manager Mike Grier expressed confidence in Celebrini’s ability to play in the NHL right away. Celebrini himself shared that he spoke with previous top picks who joined rebuilding teams and understood the unique challenge and opportunity ahead. This decision-making process adds an additional layer of anticipation to his journey to the NHL.
The NHL draft lottery took place at the NHL Network studios, with a small group of people present to witness the event. The drawing process, explained by Commissioner Gary Bettman, involved a series of number combinations assigned to each of the 14 participating teams. The Sharks ultimately secured the first and second overall picks, resulting in an unexpected and rare moment of a redraw during the event. As the room buzzed with excitement and tension, the anticipation for the upcoming NHL draft continued to build.
With the draft order set, the first 16 picks of the first round have been determined. The San Jose Sharks hold the coveted first overall pick, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks. The order of selection for the first round sets the stage for an exciting NHL draft event scheduled to take place at Sphere in Las Vegas. As the countdown to the draft begins, the anticipation and speculation surrounding Macklin Celebrini’s future in the NHL only continue to grow.