EA Sports announced that Macklin Celebrini, the 20‑year‑old forward who has been a catalyst for the San Jose Sharks this season, will appear on the cover of NHL 27, the newest edition of the flagship hockey video‑game.
A Milestone for a Generation
Celebrini’s selection is not just a personal triumph; it marks the first time a Sharks player has been featured on the cover since Owen Nolan in 2001 and Joe Thornton in 2007, placing him among an exclusive group of franchise icons.
The youngster shattered the club’s single‑season points record with 115, eclipsing the mark set by veteran Joe Thornton, and his 115 points also positioned him fourth in the Hart Trophy voting while earning him a spot as a Ted Lindsay Award finalist.
His impact extended beyond the NHL, as he led Canada to a silver medal at the Olympics with five goals, a performance that culminated in a place on the tournament’s All‑Star team and a nod to the IIHF’s Men’s Hockey Player of the Year award for 2026.
Celebrini also captained the Canadian squad at the World Championships, where he posted 14 points and was recognized as the event’s best forward, underscoring his growing influence on the international stage.
The cover reveal has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among fans and analysts alike, who see the move as a signal of the league’s confidence in the next generation of talent and a nod to the evolving blend of sport and gaming culture.