San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini has made NHL and video game history by becoming the youngest player ever to be featured on the cover of EA Sports' "NHL 27."
Celebrini, 20, earned the distinction after an impressive season where he recorded 115 points (46 goals, 70 assists). This remarkable performance also secured him a spot on the Team Canada roster for the 2026 Olympics, where the team ultimately won a silver medal.
His cover appearance marks the first time a San Jose Sharks player has been featured on the game's cover since Owen Nolan in "NHL 2001."
Celebrini's achievement surpasses previous young cover athletes like Alex Ovechkin, who appeared on "NHL 07," and Connor McDavid, who was on "NHL 18." Notably, NHL legend Sidney Crosby has never been featured on the cover of the game.
With the Sharks showing signs of improvement and a roster rich in young talent, fans will be watching to see if Celebrini can avoid the so-called "cover athlete curse" and help lead the team back to the playoffs.