San Jose Sharks legend Joe Thornton will be taking in rookie Macklin Celebrini.
Speaking at the NHL North American Media Tour in Las Vegas, the 2024 first-overall pick shared that he plans to live with Thornton as he begins his NHL career this season.
“I think it’s the perfect situation for me coming into this year, because he pretty much dealt with the same thing a little while back,” Celebrini told reporters. “Living with him, just to learn from his advice, his lessons and his wisdom is super important for me.”
According to the 18-year-old centre, he’ll be moving in with the 45-year-old retired centre and his family after rookie camp with the Sharks this month.
Thornton was on stage to announce Celebrini as San Jose’s pick at the draft in June, and the two spent some time together at development camp afterward.
After a 24-year career that saw him play with the Boston Bruins, Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, Thornton officially retired in October of last year. A first-overall pick himself in 1997, Thornton recorded 1,539 points across 1,714 games.
Meanwhile, Thornton’s former teammate, Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, admitted he’s “kind of jealous” of Celebrini’s upcoming living situation.
Matthews and Thornton briefly lived together during the 2020-21 season — spending two weeks quarantining due to COVID-19 restrictions in a house outside of Toronto with William Nylander and Rasmus Sandin, and another two weeks at Matthews’ apartment while Thornton waited for his family to arrive.
“I think he’s going to really enjoy it,” said Matthews. “Living with him, I’m sure he’s going to learn a lot. Jumbo’s great as far as just, like, supporting people and keeping things light. He’s going to really enjoy it.”