San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year contract extension worth $94 million on Wednesday. The deal carries a $18.8 million average annual value, making the 20-year-old forward the highest-paid player in the National Hockey League when it begins in the 2027-28 season.
Contract Structure and Record-Breaking Cap Hit
The extension worth a total of $94 million marks the richest contract in franchise history, eclipsing the eight-year extension worth $92 million that Erik Karlsson signed in 2019 following his first season in San Jose. Celebrini’s new deal averages $18.8 million annually, surpassing the $18 million-a-year average in the Philadelphia Flyers’ offer sheet to center Leo Carlsson that the Anaheim Ducks matched.
- Year 1: $950,000 salary and $19.85 million signing bonus
- Year 2: $950,000 salary and a $19.85 million signing bonus
- Year 3: $1 million salary and a $19.8 million signing bonus
- Year 4: $1 million salary and a $16.1 million signing bonus
- Year 5: $1 million salary and a $13.5 million signing bonus, plus a no-move clause
The agreement covers one year of unrestricted free agency. Under the league’s salary structure, a single player can claim a maximum of 20 percent of a team’s cap number—equaling $22.7 million under a projected $113.5 million cap for 2027-28—keeping Celebrini’s cap hit comfortably below that ceiling.
Franchise Cornerstones and Record-Setting Production
The massive commitment follows a prolific breakout campaign. Celebrini set a new single-season points record for the Sharks with 115 points, tallying 45 goals and 70 assists across all 82 games. That offensive output ranked fourth across the entire NHL and placed him fourth in Hart Trophy voting as the league’s most valuable player, while also earning him a finalist nod for the Ted Lindsay Award voted on by fellow players.
“In just two seasons as a teenager in the National Hockey League and on the international stage, Macklin has established himself as one of the premier players in the world. We are extremely excited to have him secured and committed as the centerpiece of a core of talented players in San Jose.”
Mike Grier, Sharks general manager
Celebrini’s offensive dominance nearly doubled the production of the next-highest scorer on the roster, 21-year-old forward Will Smith, who notched 59 points last season. Smith can become a restricted free agent after the upcoming season, presenting the franchise with another major contract priority.
International Success and Rebuild Momentum
Beyond his club achievements, the North Vancouver native carried his momentum onto the global stage. He helped Team Canada win a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing the tournament with 10 points—five goals and five assists—trailing only Connor McDavid. Celebrini led the Olympic tournament in goals, tying Jarome Iginla’s 2010 performance for the most by a Canadian in a single Olympics featuring NHL participants.
The extension arrives as San Jose aggressively pivots away from its rebuilding phase. After finishing with NHL lows of 20 wins and 52 points in 2024-25, the Sharks bounced back with 39 wins and 86 points last season, missing the playoffs by just four points. General manager Mike Grier reinforced the roster during the offseason by signing free agents Mason Marchment and Jacob Trouba, acquiring defenseman Darnell Nurse in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers, and adding goalie Eric Comrie.
Player Perspective and Long-Term Outlook
Reflecting on his commitment to the franchise, Macklin Celebrini emphasized team success over individual milestones as he locked in his long-term future in Northern California.
“The faith and support that Mr. Plattner, Mike Grier and the entire staff have shown me throughout the past two seasons is proof that we are building something special here. My teammates and I are ready to take another step toward the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to this city and its incredible fans. I can’t wait to get going.”
Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks forward
With the salary cap climbing toward $113.5 million for the 2027-28 season, Celebrini’s record extension sets the financial baseline for a new generation of league superstars.
