Top overall pick Macklin Celebrini did not participate in practice on Wednesday, one day after the San Jose Sharks rookie forward exited a preseason game with a lower-body injury.
Celebrini was injured in the second period after he slid hard into the boards following a trip from behind by Utah Hockey Club forward Kevin Stenlund. Celebrini retreated to the locker room and did not return to the contest.
Celebrini, who is considered day-to-day by the Sharks, has recorded a goal and an assist in two preseason games.
“He’s been through a lot, right?” San Jose coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “He’s (done) rookie tournament (and) the travel. He’s been bouncing around media stuff … it’s more wear-and-tear and more precautionary than anything.”
When asked if Celebrini would be ready for the team’s season opener against the visiting St. Louis Blues on Oct. 10, Warsofsky reiterated, “We’re taking this day by day.”
The 6-foot, 190-pound center collected a plethora of awards during his one-year stint at Boston University, where he helped the Terriers reach the NCAA Frozen Four.
Celebrini, 18, became the youngest recipient of the Hobey Baker Award — given to the top college hockey player — after collecting 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 38 games last season for Boston University.
–Field Level Media