Celebrini Wins IIHF Player of the Year; Sharks Reshape Farm System

Macklin Celebrini has had quite the year. The 23-year-old was voted the IIHF’s Male Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season—a capstone to an extraordinary run that saw him finish fourth in NHL scoring with 115 points. Internationally, he was just as dominant: 10 points across six Olympic games and 14 points in 10 World Championship appearances, placing second in scoring at both events.

Celebrini appeared on nearly 41% of IIHF ballots, a decisive margin over Carolina’s Sebastian Aho in second and Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck in third. The win speaks to something rare: excellence that translates across three different arenas—his NHL club, the Olympics, and the World Championship.

Away from the spotlight, the Sharks are rebuilding their farm system. Nolan Allan, acquired midseason as part of the Laurent Brossoit trade, signed a two-year deal at minimum salary. The 23-year-old put up 14 points in 35 games with the Barracuda after joining the organization and carries 43 career NHL games from his stint with Chicago. Starting in 2026-27, he’ll be waiver-eligible for the first time.

San Jose is also moving on from some established minor-league contributors. Colin White, 29, won’t be returning to the Barracuda after two seasons in the system. The forward was productive during his time there, recording 48 points in 46 games last year. Oliver Wahlstrom, acquired from Boston last season, is also departing. The 2018 first-round pick finished with 24 goals and 18 assists in 62 games before moving on.

Goaltender Gabriel Carriere, 25, was signed by Hartford after appearing in 31 games for the Barracuda, posting a 2.76 GAA and .896 SV%. Forward Lucas Vanroboys, 26, also joined Hartford on an AHL deal following a seven-point season across 33 games.