San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension on Wednesday carrying an NHL-record $18.8 million average annual value. The deal locks in the 20-year-old star through the 2031-32 season after a stellar sophomore campaign that included 115 points and a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The San Jose Sharks made franchise history on Wednesday by signing star center Macklin Celebrini to a five-year contract extension worth a total of 94 million. The landmark agreement carries an average annual value of $18.8 million, making it the richest contract in NHL history.
Celebrini had one year remaining on the entry-level contract he signed in July 2024 before inking the new pact, which kicks in for the 2027-28 season. The deal surpasses the previous league benchmark set earlier in July when the Anaheim Ducks matched a five-year offer sheet from Philadelphia for Leo Carlsson, which carried an $18 million annual value.
Historic Sophomore Production and Record-Breaking Numbers
Celebrini earned the historic payday following a blistering age-19 season where he established himself among the league’s elite. Playing all 82 games, the young forward shattered the Sharks’ single-season points record with 115, netting 45 goals and 70 assists.
That output outpaced the previous franchise mark of 114 points set by Hall of Famer Joe Thornton in 2007. His 115-point campaign stands as the third-highest single-season total by a teenager in league history, trailing only Wayne Gretzky’s 137 points in 1979-80 and Sidney Crosby’s 120 points in 2005-06.
The gap between Celebrini and his teammates underlined his offensive dominance. He finished 56 points ahead of the team’s next-closest scorer, marking the widest gap for any NHL team’s top scorer to its runner-up since the 1990-91 season.
International Success and Leadership in San Jose
Beyond his club success, Celebrini carried his momentum onto the global stage. He helped Team Canada capture a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, leading the tournament in goals with five and finishing second in team scoring with 10 points behind Connor McDavid. He later captained Canada at the world hockey championship.
Sharks general manager Mike Grier emphasized the player’s rapid ascent in a team statement.
“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, General Manager, San Jose Sharks
Celebrini expressed similar enthusiasm regarding his long-term future with the franchise as they target a return to the postseason.
“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.”
Macklin Celebrini, Forward, San Jose Sharks
Cap Space and Future Roster Construction
The rising league salary cap — projected to reach $113.5 million for the 2027-28 campaign — provided the financial flexibility for San Jose to secure their franchise cornerstone early, avoiding the risk of a restricted free agency offer sheet.
Pat Brisson, co-head of hockey at CAA Sports and Celebrini’s agent, noted that team owner Hasso Plattner and management demonstrated total dedication to the young centerman’s trajectory from their earliest discussions.
With Celebrini locked up through his age-26 season when he will become an unrestricted free agent, the Sharks’ front office turns its attention toward supporting cast extensions.
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