Bruins notebook: Former BU star draws lofty comparison Macklin Celebrini has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the NHL, showcasing his elite talent with the San Jose Sharks. At just 18 years old, the former Boston University star has already made a significant impact, recording 33 goals and 57 assists in 62 games this season. His performance has earned him a spot on the Canadian Olympic team, where he played alongside NHL stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Despite the high-profile company, Celebrini has remained focused, positioning himself as a serious contender for the Hart Trophy. As the Boston Bruins prepare to face the Sharks, coach Marco Sturm has emphasized the need to monitor Celebrini closely. Sturm praised the young forward’s ability to thrive in a star-studded environment, noting that the Sharks’ decision to pair him with McDavid and MacKinnon speaks volumes about his skill. “For us, you have to keep an eye on him. I almost treat him like a McDavid already,” Sturm said. “You’ve got to know when he’s on the ice and we’ve got to do our best.” Celebrini’s composure under pressure has been a standout trait. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky highlighted his ability to stay grounded despite the attention that comes with being a top prospect. “The moment doesn’t get too big for him,” Warsofsky said. “He just plays and competes. His preparation really helps him with that. He puts everything else aside and gets ready for hockey games.” Despite his success, Celebrini remains humble and focused on his development. He recently returned to Boston for the Bruins’ Hockey East playoff game against Vermont, where he reunited with former teammates and his brother, Aiden, a Boston College defenseman. “It’s super special to see them and just be part of the game,” Celebrini said.#macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #connor_mcDavid #ryan_warsofsky #marco_sturm

Kiefer Sherwood expressed his desire to remain with the San Jose Sharks despite ongoing discussions about his potential trade before the March 6 trade deadline. The pending unrestricted free agent emphasized his focus on the present, stating, "I’m just focused on bringing it tonight." While he acknowledged his preference to stay, he admitted the situation is uncertain. Sherwood was acquired by the Sharks in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks on January 19, but he missed his debut with the team due to an upper-body injury. He returned to action on February 4, just before the Olympic break, and has since played only four games with the Sharks. Despite limited ice time, he has contributed 14 shots and 23 hits, leading the team in those categories. His high-energy, physical style has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky praised Sherwood’s work ethic and competitiveness, noting, "He gives you everything he has every single shift. He gets in there, he puts his nose over a puck, he tries to win pucks. He’s physical. He plays the net front, he defends. He’ll block a shot. He’ll do whatever it takes to win." Warsofsky compared Sherwood’s approach to that of young star Macklin Celebrini, highlighting his ability to elevate the team’s intensity. Beyond his on-ice contributions, Sherwood’s dedication extends to off-ice efforts. Warsofsky described him as a model teammate, noting, "In practice, he’s the first guy in line. He’s ready to go. He puts the extra effort, it’s not just on the ice, it’s off the ice. It’s in meetings. He’s paying attention. He’s picking up things quickly. So he’s got a natural ability to do those things.#macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #ryan_warsofsky #kiefer_sherwood #sap_center