The 19-year-old and No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft has 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists), one more than Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, who had a goal and three assists Friday. Celebrini tied Steve Yzerman (23 in 1984-85) and Wayne Gretzky (23 in 1980-81) for the most points by a teenager in NHL history through his first 15 games of a season.
“We see it on a nightly basis. We see it on a daily basis. What I love [is], he just drags guys into the fight,” San Jose coach Ryan Warsofsky said of Celebrini. “That’s how you start winning cultures. He’s done a great job of that. Proud of him. He is one of the greatest kids, human beings. He cares. He’s a great person. We are very fortunate.”
Will Smith made it 2-1 at 15:39 of the third period. Philipp Kurashev passed the puck to Smith in front, and after Celebrini was stopped in close, the puck got behind Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck for Smith to stuff in.
Alex Nedeljkovic made 31 saves for the Sharks (6-6-3), who are 5-1-1 in their past seven games.
“It was kind of an extended shift. We had a nice entry, and then [Kurashev] had a great forecheck,” Smith said. “I saw [Celebrini] out of the corner of my eye. I honestly thought he scored, and then I just saw the puck laying there.”
