Joe Thornton’s message to Macklin Celebrini says everything as Sharks coach gets emotional
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Daniel Lucente
Apr 17, 2026 (10:40)
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Photo credit: © Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
Macklin Celebrini just ripped past Joe Thornton's Sharks record, and Ryan Warsofsky's reaction said this is bigger than one huge night.
Celebrini closed the 2025-26 season with 115 points in 82 games, passing Thornton's 114 from 2006-07. He did it with a goal and two assists in a 6-1 win over Winnipeg.
That is not just a headline stat. That is a franchise reset.
San Jose also finished 39-35-8, a massive jump from last season's 20-50-12. The rebuild is no longer abstract, it is on the ice and in the standings.
Warsofsky getting emotional fits the moment. Coaches do not crack like that unless they know they are watching a room find its center.
This matters because Celebrini is no longer carrying "future face of the franchise" hype. He is already driving results, pace, and belief every single night.
Macklin Celebrini has changed the San Jose Sharks
Fans can feel the difference now, and the skepticism is gone.
Celebrini does not just finish plays, he pulls coverage into the middle and opens the weak side for his wingers.
That is why his top-six fit works. With Will Smith around him, defenders cannot sit on one lane and the man advantage gets cleaner entries.
Thornton's message in that reel lands because he owned the best era of Sharks offense. Now he is handing the torch to a teenager who already posted 45-70-115.
The ripple effect is obvious. Mike Grier does not need to hunt for a miracle star anymore, he needs more support on the blue line and another finisher.
Celebrini did not just break a record, he sped up San Jose's whole plan.
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