McDavid-Celebrini Duo Already Has Analysts Imagining an NHL Link-Up

The return of NHL players to the Winter Olympics for the first time since Sochi 2014 has created endless storylines—and they’re only going to grow as the tournament continues. Team Canada understandably draws the most attention, and after the always-debated goaltending situation, the next focus has been on the forward lines.

Everyone believed Macklin Celebrini deserved not only to make the Canadian Olympic team but to play a significant role. That said, few expected him to start that journey in the penthouse on a line next to Connor McDavid. Yet here we are—and though it’s only been one game, the duo looked strong enough to have people already wondering about the potential for them to team up in the NHL one day.

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TSN analyst Jeff O’Neill playfully brought up the idea of McDavid eyeing a move to San Jose in the future, perhaps when his contract expires in a few years’ time.

O’Neill said:

“Maybe jesus likes the palm tree after a couple of years?”

Bryan Hayes responded by throwing back the thought of Celebrini instead, one day going to Edmonton.

“Yes, let’s not get stupid, let’s not get crazy now. Maybe Celebrini gets a trade to Edmonton? I think it goes the other way—get out of San Jose and head up to Edmonton and win a Cup with McDavid.”

The 29-year-old McDavid, of course, signed a two-year, $25 million extension with the Oilers just prior to the start of the season, which kicks in to begin 2026-27, and expires following the 2027-28 campaign. On the flip side, Celebrini, 19, is in year two of his three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract, and certainly won’t be on the move anytime soon.

Connor McDavid to San Jose Is the Only Real—But Slim—Possibility

Let’s preface by saying the odds of McDavid and Celebrini joining forces in the NHL are slim to none at this point, though, if it were ever to happen, Northern California is the far more likely destination.

McDavid, now in his 11th year as an Oiler, is still chasing a Stanley Cup, and his decision to sign a short-term extension means eyes will constantly be on his situation. Rumors have already suggested that teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings are positioning themselves for even the slightest possibility that the best player in the world could become available in 2028.

A lot has to play out and, quite frankly, go wrong in Edmonton for that to become a reality, but if it did, it’s hard to argue there’s a better landing spot than San Jose—teaming with Celebrini and the Sharks’ up-and-coming talent.

Would it be fun to see? Absolutely. But McDavid has expressed how badly he wants to win, specifically as an Oiler in Edmonton, so as much as other teams might be licking their chops waiting for him to hit the market, that remains wishful thinking.

For now, getting to watch the best player in hockey alongside a young star who looks like he could be the next one on the international stage is more than enough—and if Thursday’s opener against Czechia was any indication, the rest of the tournament should be something special.

Next: ESPN Ranked Connor McDavid How Low Among NHLers at the Olympics?