Injury Sidelines San Jose's Captain
San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini was ruled out of the team's game against the Dallas Stars because of a lower-body injury, the club announced. The 20-year-old captain did not play in the 5-0 loss. It remains unclear how or when he sustained the injury, and the team has not provided a timeline for his return.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S6][S8]
After the defeat, head coach Ryan Warsofsky offered few specifics about Celebrini's condition. He told reporters that the forward had not played that day and that the team would evaluate him that night and the following day. Warsofsky added that Celebrini was still being evaluated and remained in the building with the team.[S1][S5]
A Star's Absence Felt in Shutout Loss
Celebrini's absence left what one outlet described as a big hole in the Sharks' lineup during the shutout defeat. The team struggled to generate offense without its top forward, who had recorded five assists through San Jose's first two games of the season. The loss to Dallas marked the first time this season the Sharks were held scoreless.[S1][S7]
The injury comes after a momentous offseason for Celebrini. He signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL, and was named the 11th captain in Sharks history. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, he posted 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) and appeared in all 82 games during his sophomore campaign last season.[S1]
