Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith: the NHL's newly-established best friends duo

Meet the NHL's new superstar duo: Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.

Smith was taken fourth overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2023 NHL Draft while Celebrini was the top pick in the 2024 selection. Both players have quickly asserted themselves throughout their two seasons in the league as the centrepieces for the Sharks' next championship contending roster.

Statistically, Celebrini has 146 points (54 goals and 92 assists) through 128 career games. Smith has 36 goals and 50 assists for a total of 86 points through 119 career games with the Sharks.

But the formation of this new superstar duo can't only be seen through their playmaking and their central role in the Sharks' push for the playoffs.

If we're going to be talking about "fun superstar lineups" making waves in the NHL, it's more than likely that the two former top-five draft picks fit that role to a tee.

Yes, I know that the Colorado Avalanche's superstar duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar is fun in the sense that they can outright demoralize a team's defence on any given day. I also am aware of the fact that Toronto's superstar lineup of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares is fun in the sense that they can dominate on the golf course but only do so roughly 75% of the time on the ice (honestly I just made that number up to make the joke work but it's a fair guess).

What makes Celebrini and Smith standout is that they're not just fun to watch on the ice, but they're also fun in a general sense.

Look no further than their viral sleepover with ex-Los Angeles King/Habs legend Tyler Toffoli. After a 6-2 win that saw all three players score, Toffoli had to fulfil a bet that saw him take part in a sleepover in the duo's hotel room.

The Sharks successfully capitalized on the viral social media post, running a sleepover-themed bobblehead night to open the season against the Vegas Golden Knights. Though the initial giveaway only featured Celebrini and Smith, the team had a sleepover-themed Toffoli bobblehead up for grabs at the booth for the team's foundation.

Even with the above giveaway mentioned, the fun nature of the duo doesn't stop at bobblehead inspiration.

After Celebrini returned to the Sharks from his stint with Team Canada at the Olympics, his teammate took him to a cupcake frosting event organized by a fan who spent well over $15,000 organizing it.

Yes, $15,000 for cupcake frosting. If that isn't an unforgettable dessert experience, then I don't know what is.

Both of the above instances prove that Celebrini and Smith are quickly becoming the league's next fan-favourite duo. Whether it's highlight reels or highlight off-ice fun, both players have quickly proved that there is indeed a balance between fun and superstar-level performance.

And who knows. Maybe there will be an even more expensive cupcake party if the Sharks win a Stanley Cup while both players are on the roster.