Watch: Projected No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini undergoes VO2 Max Bike test at NHL draft combine 

By ARJUN B

Modified Jun 08, 2024 03:19 GMT

Top prospect Macklin Celebrini put his conditioning on display at the 2024 NHL scouting combine in Buffalo on Friday, undergoing the grueling VO2 Max Bike test in front of NHL scouts and media.

The projected no. 1 overall pick completed the taxing cardio workout designed to measure a player's maximum oxygen intake and fatigue threshold. Notably, the 17-year-old phenom is the youngest player ever to take part in the combine.

Watch the video here:

Celebrini posted an impressive freshman season at Boston University, winning the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA's top men's hockey player. He tallied 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in just 38 games, proving his elite scoring ability and two-way play at a remarkably young age.

Alongside Celebrini, other standout prospects like Michigan State's Arytom Levshunov and the University of Denver's Zeev Buium were also part of the combine, giving a peek into the skill and potential of the draft group.

With the 2024 NHL draft drawing closer, everyone is eager to see what move the San Jose Sharks will make with the No. 1 overall pick.

Macklin Celebrini shares his thoughts at NHL draft combine

At the NHL draft combine, Celebrini opened up about his thoughts heading into the draft:

"There's never really shame or there's nothing wrong with just taking your time and just improving a little bit more," he said. "So I feel like in those ways, another year would benefit me just to get more physically ready, and just make sure I'm very fit and strong when I try to make that jump."

Celebrini acknowledged the benefits of spending another year developing his game in college hockey:

"I loved my year in college," he said. "It was amazing and I had a lot of fun. [My teammates] are pretty special players as well, so it was fun to watch them all year and watch them have the success that they've had."

While his immediate future remains uncertain, Celebrini is trying not to get ahead of himself:

"At the end of the day, you never know what's going to happen, and I don't think I'm getting too ahead of myself," he added. "So, for right now, I'm just going to enjoy the last couple days of the combine and enjoy this experience."

Offering advice to others navigating the draft process, Macklin Celebrini stressed staying present and not worrying about the future:

"Probably, stay present. I've been told that time flies by," he said. "Before you know it, like, it's five years later."

Wherever Celebrini ultimately ends up next season, his mature perspective and grounded approach suggest he will be able to handle the pressure and challenges of pro hockey.