After watching Leo Carlsson get offer sheeted this summer, the San Jose Sharks wasted no time ensuring Macklin Celebrini doesn’t even come close to reaching July 1, 2027, unsigned.
It was announced on Wednesday that Celebrini and the Sharks have agreed to a five-year, $94 million contract extension that will pay the young superstar $18.8 million in average annual value. As of right now, he would be poised to become the highest-paid player in the league beginning in 2027-28.
Celebrini spoke about his new deal and how excited he is to continue building in San Jose.
“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today. 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,”
The 20-year-old Celebrini will play out the third and final year of the three-year, $2.93 million entry-level contract he signed after being drafted by the Sharks in 2024. He racked up 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games during his second NHL season.
While $18 million for Carlsson and even $15 million for Connor Bedard felt rather steep to most, nobody is questioning $18.8 million for Celebrini, who is already making a case to soon become the best player in the world.
San Jose had to lock up the face of its franchise as soon as they possibly could, and given the current contract landscape around the NHL, it should probably be viewed as a win that Celebrini didn’t push for $20 million per season.
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