In an exciting event held at Sphere in Las Vegas, the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft kicked off with the San Jose Sharks making the first selection. The Sharks, who secured the No. 1 pick through the NHL Draft Lottery, are widely expected to choose Macklin Celebrini, a talented center from Boston University.

Celebrini, hailing from North Vancouver, British Columbia, had an exceptional freshman season at Boston University, tallying 64 points in 38 games, including 32 goals and 32 assists. His remarkable performance earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, making him the youngest recipient of the accolade in NCAA ice hockey history.

At just 18 years old, Celebrini has showcased his skills and work ethic, drawing comparisons to NHL greats Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby. Should he sign with the Sharks and join last year's No. 4 pick, forward Will Smith, Celebrini has the potential to form a strong foundation for the Sharks, propelling them back into contention for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Sharks' involvement in the draft doesn't end with the first pick. They hold a total of nine selections, making them one of the busiest teams during the two-day event. In a trade with the Buffalo Sabres, San Jose acquired the No. 11 pick in exchange for their No. 14 selection, further demonstrating their commitment to building a strong roster for the future.

The Sharks are not the only team with multiple first-round picks. The Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Philadelphia Flyers all have additional selections, setting the stage for an intriguing draft filled with potential.

As the hockey universe focuses its attention on Las Vegas, Sphere becomes the epicenter of the sport. The 2024 draft promises to showcase the skills and potential of 32 young athletes as they embark on their NHL journey.

Fans and experts can also consult NHL.com's draft experts' mock draft to get an insight into how the first round is projected to unfold.

The San Jose Sharks, led by their new star prospect Macklin Celebrini, are primed to start their rebuild and aim for a return to the coveted Stanley Cup Playoffs. The draft proceedings in Las Vegas will determine the future trajectory of many talented young players, setting the stage for an exciting NHL season ahead.