While Celebrini had two assists in his first game as an NHL player in his hometown, his giveaway at the offensive blue line — later resulting in a Vancouver Canucks goal — was top of mind in what would become a 4-3 Sharks loss at Rogers Arena.

Macklin Celebrini grew up dreaming about playing NHL hockey at Rogers Arena. On Monday night, that dream will become a reality for the 18-year-old San Jose Sharks center said.

Elias Pettersson scored twice for the Vancouver Canucks in their 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks and Macklin Celebrini.

Even though he plays for the Sharks, Celebrini still has ties to the Canucks; brother Aiden was selected by Vancouver in the sixth round (No. 171) of the 2023 NHL Draft and is a defenseman for Boston University.

Macklin Celebrini returns to his hometown of Vancouver, BC, for the first time in his San Jose Sharks and NHL career.

The San Jose Sharks drafted Macklin Celebrini first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. Celebrini immediately signed with the Sharks, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. So far, that move has been the correct one.