The Sharks signed first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini while the Blackhawks inked second-overall pick Artyom Levshunov. Check out the latest today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks signed Macklin Celebrini to a three-year entry-level contract.
San Jose Sharks prospect Macklin Celebrini (NHL.com).
The 18-year-old Boston University center was selected first overall by the Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft. He decided to forego the rest of his college career and jump to the NHL shortly after participating in last week’s Sharks’ development camp.
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks general manager Mike Grier was impressed by Celebrini’s on-ice play. However, his interview and dinner with the young center at the Draft Combine convinced him to select the young center first overall. Grier praised Celebrini’s maturity, drive, and passion to become a great player.
THE MERCURY NEWS: Ticket sales for the Sharks’ Oct. 31 game against the Chicago Blackhawks and sale of No. 71 jerseys are soaring following Celebrini’s signing. That game features Celebrini facing off against Connor Bedard, the 2023 first-overall pick.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini will need all of his maturity, strength, and passion for the game heading into his first NHL campaign. Like Bedard with the Blackhawks, he must deal with the pressure of being the foundation piece for a rebuilding club. How well he copes with that pressure and adapts to the NHL game will play a significant role in their rebuilding process.
CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Blackhawks, they signed Arytom Levshunov to an entry-level contract. The 18-year-old Michigan State defenseman was chosen second overall in this year’s draft.
NHL.COM: Celebrini and Levshunov are the latest 2024 NHL Draft class to sign entry-level contracts. Jett Luchanko (13th overall, Philadelphia Flyers) signed his ELC on July 6.
Adam Jiricek (16th overall, St. Louis Blues) was the first, signing his deal on July 2. Beckett Sennecke (third overall, Anaheim Ducks), Berkly Catton (eighth overall, Seattle Kraken), Zayne Parekh (ninth overall, Calgary Flames), Terik Parascak (17th overall, Washington Capitals), Stian Solberg (23rd overall, Anaheim Ducks), and Matvei Gridin (28th overall, Flames) signed theirs on July 5.
TSN: The Winnipeg Jets acquired defenseman Dylan Coghlan from the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations. They also signed restricted free agents David Gustafsson and Logan Stanley to two-year contract extensions.
Gustafsson, 24, will earn an average annual value of $835K while Stanlhttps://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/top-remaining-free-agents-the-best-2024-ufas-still-on-the-boardey’s AAV is $1.25 million.
DAILY FACEOFF: No change on the top remaining unrestricted free agents listing.
Winger James van Riemsdyk, defenseman Ryan Suter, blueliner Tyson Barrie, and wingers Tyler Johnson and Max Pacioretty are the most notable still available. Others include winger Daniel Sprong and defenseman Oliver Kylington.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market slowed following its initial frenzy of signings from July 1 and 2 heading into the July 4th American holiday weekend. There could be an uptick this week.
Many of these players could be waiting weeks for new contracts. Some will sign professional tryout offers hoping to secure jobs in training camp and preseason.