Macklin Celebrini joked that the biggest difference about him entering this season with the San Jose Sharks was his age.

"I'm getting old, almost 20," the center said with a laugh at Hockey Canada's 2025 National Team Orientation Camp last month.

All kidding aside, Celebrini, the No. 1 pick by San Jose in the 2024 NHL Draft, talked of growth -- growth from going through his rookie season, watching and learning from teammates and opponents.

It's fitting, since growth and building on it is a big mantra this season for the youthful Sharks, who open against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center in San Jose on Thursday (10 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+, SN360).

Last season was a learning experience for the Sharks (20-50-12, eighth in Pacific Division). They return a little older, wiser and determi

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