Former UFC commentator lavishes praise on San Jose Sharks first overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini: "Brilliant!"

Former UFC commentator Mike Goldberg lavished praise on San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The 18-year-old rookie sensation wasted little time getting acclimated to the pros as he scored a goal and added an assist in his league debut. His play has certainly caught the attention of Goldberg, who is known for being a huge fan of both the sport and the Sharks and has previously worked as an NHL commentator.

Despite their 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues in their season opener, the former UFC commentator heaped praise on the Sharks rookie. The Canadian center played 17:35, which signifies that he is immediately slotted into a top-6 forward role with the team. During an exchange on X, Goldberg mentioned that Celebrini made an excellent first impression in his NHL debut:

"Brilliant! Looks top notch in teal! @SanJoseSharks"

Check out Mike Goldberg's tweet below:

Former UFC commentator Mike Goldberg names his all-time favorite NHL players

Former UFC commentator Mike Goldberg is a devoted hockey fan and recently named his all-time favorite NHL players.

During his appearance on Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's JAXXON PODCAST last month, Goldberg named his favorite player all-time and a player he grew up idolizing. He is a San Jose Sharks fan and had formed friendships with some of the players over the years, so it's no surprise that one of his favorites is a former Sharks great:

"My favorite hockey player of all time is Joe Thornton...'Jumbo's my guy. When I was growing up, I loved Bobby Clarke in the Broadstreet Bullies in the [Philadelphia] Flyers...[I] got my teeth knocked out when I was 10 and I begged my mom not to get them fixed 'cause I wanted to look like Bobby Clarke."

Check out Mike Goldberg's comments below: