The San Jose Sharks are getting some vital business done early by locking down superstar Macklin Celebrini to a long-term contract extension.
San Jose announced Wednesday that they have signed Celebrini to a new five-year, $94 million deal that has an average annual value of $18.8 million.
When the contract kicks in at the start of the 2027-28 campaign, Celebrini will become the highest-paid player in the NHL, topping Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson ($18 million AAV). His extension comes 11 days after the Chicago Blackhawks signed fellow recent first-overall draft pick Connor Bedard to a five-year deal worth $75 million ($15 million AAV).
“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,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a press release. “We are extremely excited to have him secured and committed as the centerpiece of a core of talented players in San Jose.
“As we continue our goal of building a team capable of annually competing for the Stanley Cup, we want to thank Macklin and his representatives for a respectful negotiation process, and acknowledge the flexibility they have provided to the team in how we allocate future dollars towards the team being constructed around Macklin.”
Celebrini’s new deal runs through the 2031-32 campaign, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent at just 26 years old.
The 20-year-old center finished his sophomore season in the NHL scoring well above a point per game, notching 115 points (45g, 70a) in 82 games. The next-highest-scoring player on the Sharks was Celebrini’s good friend, 21-year-old forward Will Smith, who recorded 59 points, a full 56 points behind Celebrini.
“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” Celebrini said. “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.”
Celebrini, who was a finalist for the Calder Trophy after his rookie 2024-25 season, finished fourth in MVP voting this past spring, lagging behind only Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon. The North Vancouver, British Columbia native also represented Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal after posting 10 points (5g, 5a) in six games.
After completing the season with the Sharks, Celebrini was then named captain for Canada at the 2026 World Championship, becoming the second-youngest captain for the senior men’s team at a major international tournament. He posted 14 points (6g, 8a) across 10 games and was named the Best Forward at the tournament.
