SAN JOSE – Macklin Celebrini practiced on the San Jose Sharks’ top line Monday morning, perhaps indicating that the rookie centerman is nearing a return to the active roster after more than three weeks of being away.
Celebrini, who hasn’t played for the Sharks since his electrifying NHL debut on Oct. 10, skated with Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund during Monday’s practice at Sharks Ice.
The 18-year-old Celebrini also participated in battle drills Monday morning. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said last week that Celebrini, who has dealt with a hip injury, would not return to a game before he went through a practice with some contact.
Celebrini was also on the ice with the Sharks three times last week, joining them for two morning skates on Thursday and Saturday and one practice on Friday. Celebrini skated on the ‘fifth line’ on Friday, an indication that he would not play the next day.
Celebrini has dealt with the hip injury since the early days of training camp in September. He played through the issue in his only game last month as he had a goal and an assist in the Sharks’ season-opening 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues at SAP Center.
The Sharks have gone 3-7-2 in Celebrini’s absence and will enter their home game with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday in 32nd and last place in the NHL standings.
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