The world of hockey is abuzz with the announcement that Macklin Celebrini the dynamic center for the San Jose Sharks will be the face of EA Sports NHL 27. This revelation was unveiled through a Reveal Trailer that premiered on YouTube at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, marking a significant moment in sports video gaming history.
At just 20 years old, Celebrini has already etched his name in the annals of hockey, becoming the youngest player to ever appear on the cover of an EA Sports NHL game. His meteoric rise from draft prospect to international star has captivated fans and industry insiders alike.
Celebrini’s Stellar Season and International Success
The past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Celebrini. He made history as the second Sharks player to grace the cover of the video game, following in the footsteps of Owen Nolan in 2001. Celebrini’s prowess on the ice was further highlighted when he represented Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics where he led the tournament with five goals and finished second in scoring with 10 points in six games. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the tournament’s All-Star Team and helped Canada secure the silver medal.
Celebrini’s international success continued at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in May, where he served as captain for Team Canada. He finished second among all scorers with an impressive 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 10 games, showcasing his leadership and skill on the global stage.
A Record-Breaking NHL Season
Celebrini’s dominance on the ice was evident during the 2026-26 NHL season where he finished fourth in the league in scoring. As the No. 1 pick by San Jose in the 2026 NHL Draft he lived up to the hype by setting a Sharks record with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games. His consistency was remarkable, as he recorded a point in 60 games, including at least three points 18 times and at least four points five times. Celebrini’s contributions were instrumental in San Jose’s turnaround, helping the team finish with 86 points compared to just 52 the previous season.
His outstanding performance earned him a nomination for the Ted Lindsay Award presented annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by the NHL Players’ Association. Celebrini’s impact extended beyond regular-season play, as he contributed 33 power-play points and five game-winning goals, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
ESPY Nominations and Future Prospects
Celebrini’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, as he is one of four nominees for Best NHL Player at the 2026 ESPY Awards set to be held in New York City on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. He will compete against hockey luminaries such as Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. Additionally, Celebrini is nominated in the Best Breakthrough Athlete category, where he will face competition from U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and University of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
As the youngest player to ever grace the cover of an EA Sports NHL game, Macklin Celebrini’s journey is just beginning. His combination of skill, leadership, and international success has positioned him as a cornerstone of the San Jose Sharks and a rising star in the world of hockey. Fans can look forward to seeing more of Celebrini’s electrifying play both on the ice and in the highly anticipated NHL 27.
