Elliotte Friedman weighs in on whether or Macklin Celebrini should make his NHL debut next season 

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes Macklin Celebrini, projected first-overall pick, should be in the NHL next season. Celebrini can return to school at Boston University, but Friedman doesn't think that should happen.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power was the last first-overall pick to not play in the NHL the following season. He went back to Michigan after being drafted first overall in 2020.

Celebrini discussed the possibility of returning to college. Friedman said on "32 Thoughts: The Podcast" that the star forward is more than ready to play in the NHL.

"I always think the only reason you don't put a player in the NHL at that level is if you think he is incapable of handling it," Friedman said. "You would have to convince me that this kid is not capable of handling what is going to happen to him next year."

"Look, if he really wants to go back to school and wants to try to win the NCAA championship or whatever he wants to do, that's one thing. But if this is purely all about, is the kid ready for it?..."

"There are so many things that are good for you, even if you're going to lose a lot of games. So you're going to have to convince me that it somehow doesn't make sense for Macklin Celebrini to play."

In his freshman season at BU, Celebrini recorded 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 38 games. He was named the Hobey Baker winner, awarded to the best college hockey player.

Macklin Celebrini is excited to be part of the San Jose Sharks' rebuild

After the San Jose Sharks won the draft lottery, all signs point to the team drafting consensus No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini.

The Sharks had the worst record in the NHL last season. Although San Jose is just beginning a rebuild, Celebrini is excited to be part of it.

"My heart was beating (so fast) and I was a little anxious," Celebrini said, via NHL.com. "I mean, obviously, anything can happen, but if I get selected by San Jose, it'll be really exciting. I watched [Chicago Blackhawks players go through a rebuild] with Connor Bedard last year and I kind of talked to him a little bit."

"It's a unique situation but it's kind of cool, just being along for that rebuild and building something special there."

San Jose did get some help with the rebuild as top prospect Will Smith signed his entry-level deal. It was a surprise as some thought he would return to Boston College.