Macklin Celebrini: "You Can Learn Much Through Watching"

Matvei Michkov’s presence with the Flyers has caused widespread consternation throughout hockey world. Head coach John Tortorella made Michkov a healthy scratch as part of his learning and developmental process. Macklin Celebrini, as the top pick from 2024 NHL Draft, believes there’s much to be gained by watching professional hockey games. “Watching games and attending meetings to observe our system and know what it entails can teach a player a great deal; trying to imagine yourself in similar scenarios and figure out what your actions would have been,” according to San Jose Sharks forward Celebrini. Thought of the Day (NHL) Michkov Falters Again But You Can Still Gain Valuable Learnings from Watching 2024 NHL No 1 Draft Macklin Celebrini said so #sjsharks #thefutureisteal #letsgoflyers (@AnthonyMingioni,@BR_OpenIce@MissinCurfew@EmptyNettersPod@Pammerhockey) https://t.co/Le8BLrhros pic.twitter.com/poDR60AjPE — Jim Biringer @jimBiringer) November 9, 2024 And that is all Tortorella is doing with Michkov! Tortorella explained it is all part of his learning process for young players: they may watch games to aid development as part of this learning curve. “With young guys, watching games may also aid development.” Tortorella stated when asked by media members why Michkov was given his first healthy scratch in 16 games: “That is all part of trying to help him.” Celebrini’s situation differed due to injury but still watched from above. Celebrini demonstrated how even at the highest levels, learning is never complete – Celebrini proves this with his success in getting back into his team lineup after returning home after surgery. Celebrini illustrates this lesson well by showing it’s never-ending even after reaching such heights of success! Macklin Celebrini had to adjust to NCAA College Hockey while Michkov had to adapt from KHL play; unlike Macklin Celebrini however, Michkov must learn North American hockey whereas even San Jose Sharks have developed plans for him! With San Jose on an back-to-back, there is the possibility that Celebrini might watch instead of play against Michkov as Sheng Peng from San Jose Hockey Now tweeted. Ryan Warsofsky confirmed to San Jose Hockey Now that Celebrini could or might play tonight and is still making his decision known to them. Warsofsky responded that each individual player will follow his or her own plan when asked whether Celebrini would undergo similar development days to those offered to Will Smith by the Sharks, with Smith learning his game from above and making the transition even smoother for an NHL rookie player like him. Bear in mind, many college players haven’t played more than 45 games during a season; Celebrini played World Juniors last year but with so many back-to-back nights and sometimes three in four nights it makes more sense for him to join Celebrini in NHL training camp than remain idle at home. There have been other examples as well; take Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek for instance – when Leo Carlsson from the 2023 NHL Draft was put on game count to conserve him until later on when they would use him more heavily. He didn’t want Carlsson to tire himself out early and his decision turned Carlsson into an even greater player; similar to what has occurred with Philadelphian Michkov or San Jose native Macklin Celebrini. All must remember this is still a man’s game and these guys are still kids who come over here as players. While Michkov played against adults, not every player in the NHL can match Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid for success; even Connor Bedard seems to find life tough in this league. These players can learn and apply what they see from above to their practice and next game, translating what they have seen into practice and game action. While all will eventually adapt successfully to life in the NHL – even for top players! Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? It is brand new and already providing news round-ups from around the league as well as hot topics.