SAN JOSE – Filip Bystedt’s blond hair was a little longer than usual when he arrived at the start of San Jose Sharks training camp a couple of weeks ago, having let it grow for the past two or three months.

SAN JOSE -- It didn’t take long for Macklin Celebrini to feel right at home Sunday. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks had a goal and an assist in his first game at SAP Center, a 4-2 preseason loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

The San Jose Sharks still have a long way to go. Even with Macklin Celebrini leading the way, which he did with a goal and an assist tonight. I think we all know that, but the 4-2 preseason-opening loss to the Vegas Golden Knights is a good reminder of that.

San Jose No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini and fellow Sharks prospect Will Smith are among the newest members of the NHL's next generation of stars to follow in the path of Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard.

San Jose No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini and fellow Sharks prospect Will Smith are among the newest members of the NHL's next generation of stars.

Juraj Slafkovsky was an NHL draft pick, just like Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard. The spotlight, however, has not been quite as bright or the hype train as strong for him in Montreal.