Rookie Midterms: Macklin Celebrini is even better than expected

When it comes to the Calder Trophy race, there’s Macklin Celebrini and then everyone else.

Of course, he was the favourite entering the season, but he’s shattered expectations thus far. 

Thrust into San Jose’s No. 1 centre role, he’s found immediate success. He’s the team’s point-per-game leader, among their shot share and expected goal leaders, shows an advanced defensive game – and he’s one of the league’s most entertaining players. 

For most rookies, there are trade-offs to finding success. One area is sacrificed for another, more pressing NHL one. That hasn’t been the case for Celebrini, and he’s on track to becoming one of the league’s most complete players, starting with his dominant cycle game.

The cycle isn’t an easy area to create offence for anyone, let alone an 18-year-old rookie. S