Macklin Celebrini's status for Canada's tournament-opening game against Finland at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship may be in question. The 17-year-old phenom, who is the No. 1 projected player for the 2024 NHL Draft, was assessed a five-minute major and game-misconduct for boarding during the second period of Canada's pre-tournament game against Switzerland.

At the 12:55 mark of the second period, Celebrini delivered a hit from behind on Leo Braillard that sent the Swiss player head-first into the dasher boards. Celebrini was immediately assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for boarding. Braillard did not return to the game.

Macklin Celebrini gets 5 minutes for boarding and a game misconduct for this hit on Leo Braillard.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/iqx5alfOEW

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 22, 2023

The IIHF reviews all dangerous plays in pre-tournament action and its disciplinary panel has the ability to issue supplemental discipline.

Canada has one more pre-tournament game, against the United States Saturday in Sweden, but are due to open the tournament with a tough first game against Finland. Celebrini is at risk of having to miss that game if the IIHF disciplinary board rules against him.

Currently listed as Canada's No. 2 center behind Boston Bruins forward Matt Poitras, Celebrini is expected to play a substantial role at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. He had two assists in the game against Switzerland before getting ejected.

It was an uncharacteristic play from Celebrini, who has been assessed just three minor penalties over his first 15 games at Boston University this season.

Since Canada is due to play a pre-tournament game Saturday, it is likely the IIHF board would rule quickly. The committee will certainly take into consideration if Braillard sustained an injury that will cause him to miss games in the tournament as well.

Losing Celebrini would be a blow for Canada as he is expected to be one of the top performers for the team despite being its youngest player.

Celebrini is among the NCAA's top scorers this season with 25 points in 15 games for Boston University and was the USHL's Player, Forward and Rookie of the Year in 2022-23.