Sharks Insight: How San Jose Missed Celebrini Defensively

The San Jose Sharks may miss Macklin Celebrini not only in attack but also in their defensive playmaking. Celebrini, a late scratch for Monday night at the American Airlines Center, led the Sharks with 115 points last season and had five assists in the team’s first two games this year. Considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury, he did not practice on Wednesday. The article argues his “defensive gravity” is as important as his scoring, citing how his presence on the power play creates advantage—illustrated through a Tyler Toffoli goal from Saturday. Against the Dallas Stars, San Jose was outshot 11-2 in the first period and lost 5-0, managing only 13 shots. Coach Ryan Warsofsky said the Sharks didn’t win enough 50-50 puck battles. Statistical comparisons highlight Celebrini’s turnover-forcing and puck-battle impact, with Alex Wennberg, Will Smith, and others projected to help if Celebrini misses time.