Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini makes his feelings known about using rainbow tape during Pride Night

San Jose Sharks rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini showed his support on Pride Night during warmups on Saturday night at SAP Center. He was one of several Sharks sporting rainbow stick tape, demonstrating his support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Recently, the NHL banned specialty warmup jerseys, sparking discussions on acceptable player apparel that expresses support. Nonetheless, players continue to discover various avenues to advocate for their community.

Here is what the 18-year-old center said when asked why it was important for him to use Pride tape on Pride Night. Sheng Peng shared his comments on X (formerly Twitter).

"I just wanted to show my support and tape my stick. That doesn't really say a lot, but just kind of supporting the cause," Celebrini said.

It was a nice gesture by Celebrini, demonstrating his maturity beyond his years. Cody Ceci, Mario Ferraro, Barclay Goodrow, Timothy Liljegren, Henry Thrun, Tyler Toffoli and Jake Walman were the other players to warm up with pride tape.

As the rookie continues to mature and grow as a leader, he figures to have a good opportunity to be considered for becoming the future captain of the San Jose Sharks.

Macklin Celebrini has taken the NHL by storm as a rookie

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) controls the puck against Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29). (Credits: IMAGN)

The first-overall pick from the 2024 NHL draft has transformed the entire outlook of the San Jose Sharks. At 18, Macklin Celebrini has amassed 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in his first 33 NHL games. This has him at a 72-point full-season pace, which would be the best statistical rookie campaign since Islanders forward Matthew Barzal's 85 points in 2017-18.

For a Sharks team that has been stuck at the bottom of the standings for the last six seasons, Celebrini has things feeling much different. His dynamic skill set and offensive ability have sparked the organization. While they remain bottom of the Pacific Division standings with only 32 points, the future looks bright. Celebrini looks like a future superstar with the potential to become one of the best players in the league.

Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks will continue to build for the future as they return to action on Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST.