"Get rid of preaseason" "kid is hurt already?”: NHL fans react as Macklin Celebrini misses Sharks practice due to lower-body injury

Insider Elliotte Friedman reports that San Jose Sharks top prospect Macklin Celebrini could miss training camp time with a lower-body injury this preseason. According to Friedman, Celebrini is day-to-day, but the injury's precise nature is unknown.

The news was met with rightful concern from Sharks fans. Here’s a look at what they had to say:

“Get rid of NHL preseason or shorten it to 2-3 games,” one fan opined.

“Probably an indication that he is not ready for the NHL,” another fan weighed in.

“Luckily only day to day, hope he's good to go for the opener,” this fan commented.

Meanwhile, some fans infused sarcasm into the situation:

“Get well soon San Jose,” a fan posted on social media.

“The kid is hurt already??” another fan quipped.

“It’s shark-over,” this fan remarked.

It’s doubtful Macklin Celebrini will be in the lineup for the Sharks' next game against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday. Fans hope Celebrini will return in time for opening night when San Jose faces the St. Louis Blues.

Sharks careful with Macklin Celebrini ahead of opening night

Macklin Celebrini suffered an awkward fall during Tuesday's matchup between San Jose and the Utah Hockey Club.

Celebrini fell during a breakaway, tripping over Utah player Kevin Stenlund’s stick. The forward rolled his ankle during the incident.

After the game, Sharks’ coach Ryan Warsofsky told the media that his decision to pull Macklin Celebrini after nearly 11 minutes of ice time was a precautionary measure.

Warsofsky reassured the media that Celebrini is fine and might still compete on opening night. However, Warsofsky didn't explicitly state that Celebrini would play in the team's regular-season opener.

The 18-year-old's setback is disappointing for the Sharks’ fan base, which has high hopes for the number-one overall pick.

Nevertheless, the club isn't taking its chances by putting the top prospect on the ice before he's fully healthy.

The Sharks have two preseason games remaining. It’s almost certain Celebrini will not play in either. Hopefully, when he does return, Celebrini will restore optimism to his team's fan base.