Macklin Celebrini might not play Monday night when the San Jose Sharks play the Philadelphia Flyers in the second game of a four-game road trip.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky would not confirm that Celebrini was playing against the Flyers, saying the decision to play the 18-year-old centerman was still being discussed.
“We’re still going through our lineup,” Warsofsky said when asked about Celebrini’s status. “Everything will be announced tonight after we get through warmups.”
The Sharks are giving Celebrini and fellow rookie centerman Will Smith occasional ‘development days’ through at least the first half of the season, trying to help both players adjust to the hectic travel and playing schedules in their first NHL seasons.
Smith has had four such days this season, including Sunday night when the Sharks beat the New Jersey Devils 1-0 behind goalie Mackenzie Blackwood’s 44-save performance. The Sharks have so far avoided playing Smith or Celebrini on back-to-back nights.
Smith will draw back into Monday’s lineup as the Sharks look to win for the sixth time in eight games.
Celebrini missed 12 games from Oct. 12 to Nov. 2 with a hip injury but has four points in the four games he has appeared in this season.
Asked if Celebrini’s extended absence affected the Sharks’ original plan for him, Warsofsky did not wish to elaborate.
Scratching Celebrini would not only remove the Sharks’ No. 1 center from the mix but also deny fans the opportunity to see him compete against dynamic Flyers rookie forward Matvei Michkov. Michkov has 10 points in 13 games this season, and he, Celebrini and Smith are considered three of the leading contenders to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie this season.
Celebrini did not have a shot on net in 18:40 of ice time Sunday, as he centered the top line with Tyler Toffoli and Ty Dellandrea and was on the No. 1 power-play unit.
Warsofsky said goalie Vitek Vanecek will start Monday’s game. Mackenzie Blackwood made 44 saves for the Sharks in Sunday’s win as he beat his former team.
Please check back for updates to this story.