Gary Bettman and the NHL punish San Jose Sharks 1st overall pick Macklin Celebrini
Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL have punished rookies Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith moments before the start of their first NHL game.
Macklin Celebrini made a strong impression in his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks scoring his first goal just seven minutes into the season opener at SAP Center. His goal came on a well timed play receiving a perfect cross ice pass from William Eklund. With 13 minutes left in the first period, Celebrini spun around for a backhand shot that deflected off a defender's skate and past Blues goalie Joel Hofer, putting the Sharks up 1-0.
But that wasn't all for Celebrini. A few minutes later, he assisted Tyler Toffoli's goal, restoring the Sharks lead and extending the score to 2-1. His goal & assist in his 1st NHL game showed everyone why he was selected 1st overall in last year's draft.
Even before the puck dropped there was excitement surrounding Celebrini & fellow rookie Will Smith who took part in the traditional rookie lap without helmets. However this came with a $2500 fine from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman a penalty many other rookies like Connor Bedard & Adam Fantilli have also faced.
The buzz around Celebrini's debut lived up to expectations, with fans and even Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green attending to see the young talent in action. If this first game is any indication, Celebrini's future with the Sharks looks incredibly promising.
