Macklin Celebrini, the youngest cover athlete for EA Sports' "NHL 27," reflects on a record-breaking season with the San Jose Sharks, where he set a franchise record with 115 points. His stellar performance earned him a nomination for the Ted Lindsay Award and a spot on Team Canada for the Winter Olympics, where he led the tournament with five goals.

Now, Celebrini faces a pivotal summer with potential contract extensions and the Sharks aiming for their first playoff appearance in his career. He discusses the gaming culture within the team, the excitement of playing in the Olympics, and the addition of new teammates like Jacob Trouba. Celebrini also touches on the tough departures of teammates and the growing playoff expectations for the Sharks, a significant shift from their previous rebuild phase.

The conversation also delves into the recent Leo Carlsson offer sheet, with Celebrini acknowledging the substantial contract as a potential new normal for NHL salaries. He expresses his desire to win, inspired by veterans like Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, while also emphasizing the importance of financial stability for players as he approaches his own contract negotiations.