Future Blackhawks Prospect? Sizing Up Macklin Celebrini

Blackhawks fans will get to see Macklin Celebrini in the World Junior Championships along with the rest of the world. Though he doesn’t have the same hold on the hockey world that Connor Bedard did, he’s still one hell of a prospect.

And if the Blackhawks earn some lottery luck again, he could potentially be skating with Bedard as early as next year.

Here’s a look at Macklin Celebrini.

Mack Celebrini At A Glance

Boston University
17 years old (6/13/06)
Games: 15
Goals-Assists-Points: 10-15-25

Those who weren’t lucky enough to see him up close when he was with the Chicago Steel last season missed out. Celebrini had 46 goals in 50 games, and was a constant draw in the USHL. While Bedard was shredding the Western Hockey League, it was Celebrini teams were talking about for the 2024 Draft.

So where does it leave things now? He’s second in the NCAA in points and tied for eighth in goals. So while he’s not dominating the NCAA  numbers wise like Bedard did the WHL, he’s still in the top echelon of the entire league while in his freshman campaign.

Lane Hutson and Mack Celebrini making magic.

Hutson's 2nd of the night. pic.twitter.com/6Y3PcDgrvN

— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) November 5, 2023

So what would he bring? The more apt questions is probably what doesn’t he bring. The Kyle Davidson/Mike Doneghey book of Blackhawks prospect selection is always best player available and whoever gets that top pick in the 2024 Draft will select him with it. A strong skater, shooter, passer–even plays hard without the puck. Yes, getting a player like him in the draft will secure the Blackhawks down the middle in a way that they can’t even imagine.

Will Celebrini Be on the Blackhawks Shortlist?

Pretty easy answer there–of course. Whoever picks first is taking him and he will likely be signing that entry-level deal to play in the NHL as early as next year. The most apt comparison has been Adam Fantilli, who jumped right to the NHL after his terrific freshman season at the University of Michigan.

Fantilli is also a whole year older, so what Celebrini is doing at a year younger in the college ranks is that more impressive.

NHL Central Scouting graded him out as an A and the rave reviews continue to roll in for the presumed top overall pick for the 2024 Draft.

The only question left: Will it be the Blackhawks selecting again with the top spot?

Future Blackhawks Prospects Profiles: 

Cole Eiserman