Macklin Celebrini, the 20-year-old San Jose Sharks center, has been named the cover athlete for EA Sports’ “NHL 27.” He is the youngest player in the franchise’s history to receive this honor. The announcement ends a 26-year drought for the Sharks, who last had a player on the cover when Owen Nolan appeared on “NHL 2001.”
Celebrini’s selection is not just a personal achievement. It is a direct signal of the franchise’s rebuild, its new identity, and its return to the NHL’s visual forefront. The gap between covers for the Sharks—from Nolan in 2001 to Celebrini in 2027—spans a generation without a homegrown cover star.
Celebrini, the 2025 Calder Trophy winner and fourth in NHL scoring last season, also played for Canada at the Winter Olympics. He is nominated for an ESPY. His presence on the cover represents a shift from the team’s recent struggles.
Owen Nolan was a physical power forward, an All-Star, and the embodiment of a Sharks team on the rise. His “NHL 2001” cover was a symbol of grit and toughness. Celebrini, by contrast, fits the modern NHL prototype: elite skill, high hockey IQ, and marketability.
During the 26-year gap, players like Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, and Brent Burns were perennial contenders but never appeared on the cover. The drought mirrors the franchise’s descent into mediocrity and multiple lottery picks. The Celebrini draft pick (No. 1 overall in 2024) changed the trajectory.
The cover announcement is a commercial and emotional boost. EA Sports’ decision reflects a strategy of featuring rising stars over established veterans, a pattern seen with players like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. Celebrini’s crossover appeal—a Canadian face with Olympic exposure—made him the perfect choice for a new generation.
Fan reactions include excitement and nostalgia. The news was covered by ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and NHL.com. The viral moment signals that the Sharks, once a dominant brand, are back in the national conversation.
The real redemption arc, however, is still being written. Celebrini’s cover is a stepping stone. The Sharks have not made the playoffs since 2021. On-ice expectations are now clear: can Celebrini lead the team back to contention?
| Athlete | Cover Year | Age at Cover | NHL Season | Sharks Player? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owen Nolan | 2001 | 28 | 2000-01 | Yes |
| Macklin Celebrini | 2027 | 20 | 2026-27 | Yes |
| Connor McDavid | 2016 | 19 | 2015-16 | No |
| Auston Matthews | 2020 | 22 | 2019-20 | No |
The NHL 27 cover is more than a photo. It is visual proof that the Sharks’ DNA—grit, skill, and resilience—has returned. For San Jose hockey, this moment marks the start of a new golden era, not the end of a drought.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is the cover athlete for NHL 27?
- A: Macklin Celebrini, the 20-year-old San Jose Sharks center and 2025 Calder Trophy winner, is the cover athlete for EA Sports’ NHL 27.
- Q: When was the last time a Sharks player appeared on an NHL cover?
- A: The last Sharks player on an NHL cover was Owen Nolan on NHL 2001, 26 years before Celebrini’s NHL 27 cover.
- Q: Why is Celebrini’s cover significant for the Sharks franchise?
- A: It ends a generation-long drought, marks the franchise’s rebuild and new identity, and shifts from past physical play to modern elite skill and marketability.
Extended Reading
According to the official NHL.com announcement, Celebrini is the youngest cover athlete in EA Sports NHL history. The Yahoo Sports report noted that his selection follows a 26-year gap for the Sharks, the longest current drought for any NHL franchise in cover appearances. The ESPN coverage framed the announcement as a “redemption arc” for a franchise that has been rebuilding since the 2024 draft.