Macklin Celebrini is eyeing a spot on Canada’s Olympic roster for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. The 19-year-old forward, who plays for the San Jose Sharks, is participating in Hockey Canada’s National Teams Orientation Camp from August 26 to 28 in Calgary. Doug Armstrong, general manager of the St. Louis Blues and Team Canada’s GM, previously met with Celebrini in December 2022 to discuss his future with the national team.
Armstrong informed Celebrini that he would not be included in the roster for the upcoming Four Nations Face-Off but emphasized that a strong performance could lead to selection for the World Championship team and the Olympics. “I told him at about 10 in the morning, and he had three points that night,” Armstrong recounted, reflecting on Celebrini’s immediate impact.
As the youngest player among the 42 invited to the orientation camp, Celebrini is competing for one of 25 roster spots, which will likely consist of 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goalies. The final team will be announced in early January, ahead of the men’s tournament starting February 11, 2026.
During the camp, Armstrong stated that the focus will be on building relationships and gathering information. “The men’s team will get together for some dinners and build relationships, and the coaches will have some time with the players,” he explained to TSN 1050 in Toronto. This preparation is vital as selection criteria prioritize performance, skill, and the ability to contribute to a competitive team.
Celebrini’s impressive rookie season further strengthens his case for Olympic consideration. He led the Sharks with 63 points in 70 games and was nominated for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top rookie. His performance at the World Championships in May, where he scored six points in eight games and showcased his skills alongside his idol, Sidney Crosby, further highlights his potential impact on an international stage.
Crosby, who will captain Canada in the upcoming Olympics, brings valuable experience, having previously led the team to gold medals in 2010 and 2014. Celebrini’s recent training sessions with Crosby, alongside other elite players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, are expected to offer invaluable insights into high-level competition.
Despite Celebrini’s talent, the competition for roster spots will be fierce. Forwards who participated in the Four Nations tournament, including Quinton Byfield and Nick Suzuki, have also been invited to the camp, increasing the challenge for Celebrini and other hopefuls. Armstrong noted that selection is performance-based, stating, “We’re going to take the players that are performing the best… There’s not an age requirement to make this team.”
As the NHL season progresses, Celebrini will need to demonstrate that he can not only excel offensively but also fulfill a checking role against the world’s best players. Armstrong and the Hockey Canada staff will monitor his performance closely during the first three months of the season, as they seek to build a team capable of competing for gold.
Looking ahead, Armstrong expressed enthusiasm about getting to know the young players: “I’m looking forward to spending more time with them, to get to know them. It’s like anything in life. If you have a personal relationship with somebody, it’s more natural you’re going to pull and dig a little bit harder for them.”
Regardless of the outcome, Celebrini’s experience at the orientation camp, especially his interactions with Crosby, is expected to be beneficial as he prepares for a potential Olympic career. Armstrong emphasized the importance of observing how established stars like Crosby and McDavid prepare for such significant competitions, noting, “You don’t get a player like that every generation. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer.”
