(VIDEO) Macklin Celebrini living up to expectations early in the NHL season

Macklin Celebrini has only played four games in the NHL. It’s a very small sample size, but after watching him break through defences, we’re already confident that he’s going to be a first-line center in this league. 

All of the habits and the skills that he displayed in the NCAA are translating to the NHL. 

He’s reloading above the play ahead of changes of possession, picking up the right players on the backcheck, establishing body positioning on opponents, and showing a high level of patience in the defensive zone. Constantly looking around, he’s monitoring the opposition, rotating well, and giving timely passing options to teammates. And that’s just on the defensive side. 

Offensively, he looks about as dynamic off the rush as Tim Stützle did in his first performances with the Ottawa Senat