Ex-hockey coach spots ‘eerie’ Connor McDavid similarities in Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini
· Yahoo Sports
Former hockey coach Drew Remenda sees striking similarities between Connor McDavid and San Jose Sharks captain Macklin Celebrini.
Speaking on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, Remenda compared the two NHL stars’ habits, work ethic and approach to hockey.
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“Connor practices at full speed all the time. All the time,” Remenda said. “And Connor’s never happy with his game. He always thinks that he could have done more.”
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Remenda then made the comparison even clearer.
“By describing Connor like that, I’m describing Macklin Celebrini,” he said. “Guys, it’s eerie how many of the same characteristics they have.”
Celebrini has quickly become the centerpiece of San Jose’s rebuild. The 20-year-old was named the youngest captain in Sharks history before the 2026-27 season.
Remenda said Celebrini’s preparation particularly reminds him of McDavid. He pointed to the Sharks forward arriving early for morning skate and continuing to work after teammates leave.
“Morning skate, goalies are out, here comes Macklin,” Remenda said. “Macklin’s out there first, almost all the time. Smith comes out after him, they work on their shots, and then they act like children, like they are.
“I mean that in the greatest way possible. Macklin stays out. Macklin’s work ethic is ridiculous.”
Macklin Celebrini has one advantage over Connor McDavid
Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) warms up at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Remenda believes Celebrini has handled the media side of his career differently than McDavid did early on.
“One thing that Macklin does a little bit better than Connor at this stage in his career is Macklin’s been working on the PR side of it,” Remenda said.
He added that Celebrini dislikes discussing himself, despite being increasingly comfortable with interviews and public attention. The biggest difference, however, comes from the pressure surrounding each player.
McDavid entered the NHL as the first overall pick and immediately carried enormous expectations in Edmonton. Celebrini also arrived as a first overall selection, but Remenda believes his environment allows more freedom.
“Connor’s had so much pressure on him, and especially in that market, in Canada, everything’s on him,” Remenda said. “Mack doesn’t have that peripheral opponent pressure, you know what I mean? It’s easier in our room than it has been for Connor to be in his room.”
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That difference allows Celebrini to enjoy his rise more freely, according to Remenda.
“You see more joy in Macklin,” he said. “Here, Macklin gets to enjoy that a little bit more.”
Celebrini enters the season after recording 115 points last year. His development will now be closely watched as he takes on greater responsibility as San Jose’s captain.
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