San Jose Sharks to feature Macklin Celebrini on NHL 27 cover in 2026

San Jose Sharks rookie center Macklin Celebrini will appear on the cover of NHL 27 in 2026, becoming the first Sharks player to earn the honor since the game’s launch.

Who is Macklin Celebrini?

Macklin Celebrini, the 19-year-old Sharks center, headlines the NHL 27 cover reveal after a breakout rookie season. The 2024 Calder Trophy finalist posted 39 goals and 35 assists in his debut campaign, leading San Jose to an 11th-place finish in the Western Conference on a three-game winning streak. Drafted first overall in 2023 out of Boston University, Celebrini quickly became the face of the franchise’s rebuild.

Why this matters for San Jose Sharks

The cover spot puts Celebrini in the spotlight alongside legends like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, boosting the Sharks’ profile beyond Silicon Valley. EA Sports’ decision reflects Celebrini’s instant impact—he led all NHL rookies in scoring and set a franchise record for most points by a teenager. For a market hungry for homegrown stardom, the honor is a rare bright spot in a season where San Jose finished 39-35.

What comes next for Celebrini and the Sharks?

Celebrini’s cover debut arrives as the Sharks eye a playoff push in 2026, with training camp set for September. The team’s front office will lean into the marketing blitz, selling jerseys and video games to a global audience. Meanwhile, the rookie’s focus stays on the ice—he’s already logged 82 games in two pro seasons, a pace that could redefine Sharks hockey for years to come.