Top Draft Pick Macklin Celebrini Teases NHL Decision

NHL development camps are in full swing across the league which means the stars of tomorrow are on the ice, including those who were just in Las Vegas less than a week ago at the NHL Draft like No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks.

Everyone knew long before the Draft that the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner would be headed to the Bay Area, which is coincidentally where his dad works as the director of sports medicine and performance for the Golden State Warriors.

But, what's still up in the air is whether or not the 18-year-old will decide to sign an entry-level deal with the Sharks or go back to Boston University for his sophomore season.

 He did, however, tease that a decision is imminent, possibly as soon as the end of this week.

"It’s coming up," Celebrini said, per TSN. "I’ll make the decision pretty quick here. Just trying to enjoy this camp, and after that I guess it’s time to make a decision."

Surely, that decision has been made already, but who knows what it is?

Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks have a big decision to make ahead of this season. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

There Are Pros And Cons To Celebrini's And The Sharks' Options

There are upsides to both options. Another year of playing some college hockey won't hurt, but there's a strong argument that the better way to develop top young players is by throwing them to the wolves early at the NHL level. We saw this lasts season with Connor Bedard and it worked out nicely.

However, the Sharks can certainly afford to let Celebrini spend one more year as a Terrier, because, while they may be able to surprise people, there's virtually no chance that the team is going to be playing too many meaningful games down the stretch next season. 

However, that isn't to say they're not on the right track. With Celebrini in the mix along with fellow top-prospect Will Smith who will be on the team this year and strong vets like Logan Couture and the newly signed Tyler Toffoli, GM Mike Grier has them headed in the right direction.

I think Celebrini will make the jump straight to the NHL, but we'll see what he decides after camp wraps up on July 4.