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3w ago

Macklin Celebrini Named 2026 IIHF Male Player of the Year

The award reflects his elite NHL scoring, top Olympic play, strong World Championship showing, marking his emergence as a leading young player.

Canada's Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates with Macklin Celebrini (71) after scoring a goal during the third period of the 2026 IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championship quarterfinal match between Canada and United States, in Fribourg, Switzerland, Thursday, May 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Overview

  • The IIHF announced Celebrini as the 2026 Male Player of the Year on Thursday, July 9, 2026, following a ballot of nearly 200 media members and federation officials.
  • Celebrini received 40.8 percent of the vote and finished ahead of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and forward Sebastian Aho in the final tally.
  • He finished the 2025–26 NHL season with 115 points, fourth overall in the league and the third-highest point total ever by a teenager.
  • At the Milan–Cortina Olympics he led all skaters with five goals and had 10 points in six games, and at the IIHF World Championship he captained Canada to a fourth-place finish with six goals and 14 points in 10 games.
  • The award, which recognizes combined excellence in top domestic leagues and IIHF tournaments, consolidates Celebrini’s standing as a rising star and may raise expectations for his role with the San Jose Sharks and Team Canada next season.