A banged-up Macklin Celebrini said he’ll play Monday when the San Jose Sharks face the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena looking to end an eight-game losing streak.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said Monday morning that Celebrini had a lower body ailment and was considered a game-time decision to play against the Leafs. Celebrini, though, later told reporters that he would be ready for the game.
Celebrini, 18, did not practice Sunday but was on the ice for the Sharks’ optional practice Monday morning.
“It’s going to be cool,” Celebrini said, according to TSN. “It’s one of the oldest franchises and you see the history in the rafters and obviously a very good team that we’re playing. I’m just excited.”
Celebrini had two assists in 19:25 of ice time, playing late into the third period, in the Sharks’ 5-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.
Now playing as San Jose’s first-line center, Celebrini leads the Sharks and is tied for second among all NHL rookies with 44 points in 49 games this season. His 26 assists lead all first-year players, and his average ice time of 19:45 per game is second behind Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (22:26).
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