In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, injuries and roster changes can happen in the blink of an eye. That’s why it’s crucial to stay updated on all the latest news with daily Ice Chips to keep your finger on the pulse of the NHL.
One player who found himself on the sidelines this week is forward Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks. After sustaining a lower-body injury during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Utah Hockey Club, Celebrini was unable to participate in practice the following day. According to Sheng Peng of NBC Sports Sharks, Celebrini left the game in the second period after a collision with Utah forward Kevin Stenlund sent him crashing hard into the boards.
Despite the concerning nature of the injury, head coach Ryan Warsofsky reassured reporters that Celebrini’s absence from practice was purely precautionary. While he hasn’t ruled out the young forward for the remainder of the preseason, Warsofsky also couldn’t guarantee that Celebrini would be ready for the Sharks’ season opener on October 10th. Drafted first overall in 2024, Celebrini has already made an impact in the preseason with a goal and two points in just two games.
In other roster news, the Sharks made moves to solidify their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. Forward Colin White was assigned to the Barracuda on Wednesday, while forwards Andrew Poturalski and Scott Sabourin were placed on waivers with the intention of sending them down to the minor league team.
On a more positive note, defenseman Jani Hakanpää and forward Connor Dewar were both back on the ice for practice on Wednesday donning their regular sweaters. Hakanpää, a towering 6-foot-7 presence on the blue line, signed a one-year deal with the Sharks in the off-season after recovering from a knee injury that ended his playoff run with the Dallas Stars.
With the preseason in full swing and opening night just around the corner, every team is working tirelessly to finalize their rosters and ensure their players are healthy and ready to compete. Stay tuned to Ice Chips for all the latest updates on injuries, roster moves, and more from across the NHL.