Why it's trending
The announcement of Celebrini's record-breaking extension on July 29, 2026, sparked widespread interest because it immediately made him the NHL's highest-paid player, surpassing Leo Carlsson's $18M AAV. The deal signals the Sharks' long-term commitment to their young superstar and raises questions about the team's future competitiveness.
The San Jose Sharks signed star center Macklin Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million contract extension worth $18.8 million annually, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history, as confirmed by multiple sources including the NHL.com and The Athletic. The deal, announced by Sharks GM Mike Grier, begins in the 2027-28 season and covers one year of unrestricted free agency, locking up the 20-year-old through 2031-32.
According to The Athletic, the contract structure includes five years of signing bonuses ranging from $19.85 million in the first year to $13.5 million in the final year, with a $1 million salary each of the last two seasons and a no-move clause. The Boston Globe reported that Celebrini had 45 goals and 70 assists last season, breaking Joe Thornton's franchise record of 114 points and trailing only Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby for most points by a teenager in NHL history. He also led the Olympics in goals with five, earning a silver medal for Canada.
Celebrini, selected first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, had one year remaining on his entry-level contract before signing this extension. The Sharks missed the playoffs for the seventh straight season despite a 34-point improvement, the 10th-best single-season jump in the last 30 years. Grier thanked owner Hasso Plattner for financial commitment and acknowledged the flexibility Celebrini's representatives provided in structuring the deal.
The extension resets the NHL salary ceiling and signals the Sharks' intent to build around Celebrini. It follows a summer of massive RFA contracts, including Leo Carlsson's $18M AAV offer sheet matched by Anaheim. The Sharks now face pressure to surround Celebrini with talent to end their playoff drought, with Grier emphasizing the goal of building a Stanley Cup contender.
Timeline
- Celebrini drafted first overall by Sharks
Macklin Celebrini was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft after one season at Boston University.
- Celebrini's rookie season
Celebrini played his first NHL season, finishing fourth in scoring with 115 points and breaking Joe Thornton's franchise single-season record.
- Olympic performance
Celebrini led all scorers with five goals, helping Canada win the silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Contract extension signed
Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension ($18.8M AAV) with the Sharks, making him the NHL's highest-paid player. The deal begins in 2027-28.
Questions people ask
How much is Macklin Celebrini's new contract worth?
The contract is a five-year extension worth $94 million total, with an average annual value of $18.8 million — the highest AAV in NHL history. (Sources: NHL.com, The Athletic, Boston Globe)
When does Celebrini's extension take effect?
The contract begins in the 2027-28 season, after his entry-level deal expires. It runs through 2031-32. (Source: The Athletic)
What are the contract details?
According to PuckPedia via The Athletic, the deal includes $19.85 million signing bonuses in the first two years, followed by $19.8M, $16.1M, and $13.5M bonuses, with salaries of $950k-$1M. A no-move clause applies in the final year.
Is Celebrini the highest-paid NHL player?
Yes, his $18.8M AAV surpasses Leo Carlsson's $18M, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history. (Sources: The Athletic, Boston Globe)
Join the conversation 0
Comments are reviewed before publishing.