LAS VEGAS — San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier is trying to keep whom he’s selecting with the first pick in the NHL draft on Friday a mystery, even after he more than hinted at his intentions last month.
After excitedly noting the big opportunity it was for a rebuilding franchise to select Macklin Celebrini upon winning the draft lottery last month, Grier has since decided to play coy regarding college hockey’s top player, who has topped draft charts for more than a year and has ties to the Bay Area.
“We’ll see come Friday night,” Grier said this week.
And yet, the third-year GM gushed when asked what more he’s learned about the Boston University center over the past six weeks.
“We had dinner with him and he sat at a table with eight grown men and held the conversation, and was at ease and comfortable,” Grier said of dining with Celebrini at the combine three weeks ago.