Macklin Celebrini to Appear on NHL 27 Cover at Age 20

Record‑Breaking Honor

The NHL officially confirmed Tuesday that San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini will be featured on the cover of NHL 27. At 20 years old, he becomes the youngest player ever to grace the iconic game’s front page. The announcement caps a breakout second season for the 2024 first‑overall draft pick.

Rising Star from College to Pro

Celebrini burst onto the college scene at Boston University, earning the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top collegiate player. He was the first player from that award to be placed on an NHL video game cover. The honor also underscores his rapid rise from junior hockey to the NHL stage.

Rookie Season Statistics

As a rookie, Celebrini logged 70 games with the Sharks, compiling 63 points—25 goals and 38 assists. He earned Calder Trophy consideration, finishing behind Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens. The early‑season numbers hinted at the potential that would blossom in his sophomore year.

Standout Second‑Year Performance

In his second NHL campaign, Celebrini played all 82 games and tallied 115 points—45 goals and 70 assists. His productive season propelled him to a fourth‑place finish in the league’s MVP voting. The consistency demonstrated his transition from draft sensation to a legitimate MVP candidate.

Previous Sharks on NHL Cover

Owen Nolan, who spent eight seasons with San Jose from 1995 to 2003, previously represented the Sharks on the NHL 2001 cover. Nolan’s inclusion marked a notable moment for the franchise, and Celebrini’s placement repeats that milestone nearly two decades later.

Upcoming Reveal Trailer

The EA Sports NHL YouTube channel will drop a reveal trailer for NHL 27 on Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. ET. Expect the video to showcase Celebrini and possibly unveil the game’s final release window, slated for September. Fans can watch the stream to catch the first glimpse of next year’s installment.

What This Means for the Sharks

For the Sharks, having two different players on consecutive game covers—first Nolan, now Celebrini—signals a renewed era of star power. The franchise’s investment in a teenage phenom appears to be paying off on the ice and in marketing. Going forward, Celebrini’s visibility could boost his brand and energize the team’s narrative heading into the next season.