The two most recent first overall picks in the NHL Entry Draft will go head-to-head for the first time in their professional careers when the San Jose Sharks host the Chicago Blackhawks at SAP Center. Ahead of the marquee matchup on March 13th, 2024 first overall pick Macklin Celebrini made a strong admission about 2023’s top selection, Connor Bedard.
The Sharks and Blackhawks languish at the bottom of the NHL standings, enduring years of hardship and rough campaigns. Fans in both the Capital of Silicon Valley and the Windy City are weary of their teams’ struggles, but they’re grateful for the big silver lining.
Celebrini and Bedard are the brightest spots in otherwise bleak situations for both San Jose and Chicago. The two young sensations share more than their status as top prospects—they were both born and raised in North Vancouver. There must be something in the water in British Columbia, as the two most recent generational talents have emerged from the region.
Having faced off throughout their youth, it will be a memorable moment when Celebrini and Bedard collide on the ice at the Shark Tank in San Jose. On the eve of what should be the first of many NHL showdowns, Celebrini made a strong admission about his fellow Canadian counterpart.
Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks warms up before their game against the Nashville Predators at SAP Center on March 11, 2025 in San Jose, California.
“[Bedard’s] always been a superstar,” Celebrini stated, via NHL.com. “Whenever we were younger, he’s always been the kid you see now. I think it’s just flourished and kind of grown from there.”
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Bedard’s statement
Connor Bedard was voted the NHL’s best rookie for the 2023-24 season, earning the Calder Trophy. However, during his sophomore campaign, the 19-year-old has faced greater adversity, with his production becoming inconsistent.
Celebrini, on the other hand, has thrived and is expected to take home the Calder Trophy, following in Bedard’s footsteps. While many debate who the better player is, the two young superstars remain focused on their tasks and wish nothing but the best for their fellow North Vancouver talent.
“The goal is for both of us to be in the league for a while,” Bedard said. “It’s just been fun to watch his growth and get to cheer [Celebrini] on, see his success. It’s cool to see our hometown do that but it’s a great place for people to grow up playing hockey and just a great city.”
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks walks to the locker room at Climate Pledge Arena before the game against the Seattle Kraken on December 14, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.
Bedard shares his experience
While only 11 months older, Bedard has still seen and lived through more in the NHL than Celebrini. As the Sharks’ rookie feels on top of the world, the Blackhawks’ sophomore felt the exact same way during his first year in the league. However, it can all change suddenly.
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“He’s a dynamic player. It’s been fun to watch,” Bedard added. “I know coming in as an 18-year-old is tough and obviously it’s a good league, so I’m glad to see his production and his impact on games has been awesome.”
Bedard and Celebrini will headline a crucial matchup between the league’s bottomfeeders—a duel with significant draft lottery implications that could also set the stage for the Bedard-Celebrini debate, expected to shape the NHL in the years to come.
Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks during the second period of the NHL game at SAP Center on December 27, 2024 in San Jose, California.
A matchup between the Sharks and Blackhawks may not mean much during today’s NHL, but it could easily become a Western Conference classic in the future, as Celebrini and Bedard hope to lead contending rosters.
