League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Sharks name 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini as captain ahead of NHL season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 5, 2026, 6:15 PM

Last updated Oct 5, 2026

Sharks name 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini as captain ahead of NHL season opener

Summary

The San Jose Sharks announced Macklin Celebrini as their new captain on September 25, just before the 2026-27 NHL season opener against the Florida Panthers on October 1. Celebrini, at 20, becomes the youngest captain in franchise history following Logan Couture’s retirement. He had a standout second season, finishing fourth in league scoring with 115 points, helping the Sharks improve significantly in the standings. Alongside Celebrini, the Sharks also appointed Tyler Toffoli, Alexander Wennberg, Barclay Goodrow, and Darnell Nurse as alternate captains, blending youth with veteran experience as they begin the new season.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Celebrini named Sharks' captain on September 25 at age 20.
•He scored 115 points in the previous NHL season.
•Couture's retirement created the leadership vacancy.
•Toffoli, Wennberg, Goodrow, and Nurse are alternate captains.
•Sharks begin the season against the Florida Panthers on October 1.

Latest Updates

6:15 PMYahoo Sports — The Sharks make a bold decision ahead of the season opener

What they're saying

"
The San Jose Sharks made a major leadership decision before opening the 2026-27 NHL season, naming 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini their 11th full-time captain. The move followed a record-setting 115-point campaign and a major contract extension. San Jose also added four veteran alternate captains before beginning the season against Florida.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Florida Panthers San Jose Sharks NHL Hockey