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Matthew Schaefer-Macklin Celebrini should be next big NHL rivalry
Matthew Schaefer and Macklin Celebrini are emerging as potential young stars who could form the NHL’s next major rivalry, following the model of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Their latest meeting in San Jose was the third chapter in their matchup, and the league could build on their growing profile to attract attention.
Schaefer is 19 and Celebrini is 20. Celebrini is San Jose’s captain and starred for Canada at last season’s Olympics; people around the Islanders expect Schaefer to reach those milestones in time. The two also appeared together in a Tim Hortons advert with Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon and Brad Marchand, where they had a chance to get to know each other.
In short
- Schaefer and Celebrini could become the NHL’s next headline rivalry.
- Their latest meeting was the third between the young stars.
- Both have appeared together in a Tim Hortons advert.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A rivalry between Schaefer and Celebrini could give the NHL a compelling new storyline, drawing more attention to two young talents and helping the league reach new fans. Their contrasting teams and growing profiles offer the ingredients for a long-running matchup, while their shared advert suggests they may already have a personal connection.
The case against
Calling them the league’s next big rivalry so early risks putting a marketing label ahead of what develops on the ice. Their careers may take different paths, and a rivalry needs sustained, meaningful competition and genuine stakes; the league could let that emerge naturally rather than build expectations around a comparison with Crosby and Ovechkin.
Explained simply
The NHL is North America’s top professional ice hockey league, where teams compete each season for the Stanley Cup. Rivalries between leading players can draw attention over many years, especially when they meet regularly in high-profile games.
Matthew Schaefer plays for the New York Islanders, while Macklin Celebrini plays for the San Jose Sharks. Both are among the league’s youngest players, and their teams’ meetings give fans a chance to compare their progress.
Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin became the leading figures in a celebrated rivalry between Pittsburgh and Washington. Schaefer and Celebrini are at an earlier stage of their careers, but the league’s interest in building new stars means their matchups could attract a wider audience.