The Sharks made their biggest move of the offseason on Wednesday, signing 20‑year‑old Macklin Celebrini to a five‑year, $94 million extension that cements him as the highest‑paid player in the NHL when the deal kicks in for the 2027‑28 season.
Celebrini’s Rise to the Top
Celebrini’s extension cements him as one of the best players in the NHL. In only two NHL seasons, he’s become the engine of the Sharks’ rebuild, shattering franchise records and emerging as one of the league’s most dynamic young stars. He finished the 2025‑26 season with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists), breaking Joe Thornton’s single‑season record and ranking fourth in league scoring.
His production didn’t stop at the NHL level. Celebrini starred internationally, helping Canada earn silver at the 2026 Olympics and captaining the national team at the World Championship. Those performances, combined with his NHL breakout, pushed him into Hart Trophy voting and solidified his status as a generational talent.
Sharks’ Commitment to a New Era
General manager Mike Grier called Celebrini the “centerpiece” of the organization’s future, praising his maturity, work ethic, and impact on the team’s dramatic year‑over‑year improvement. The Sharks jumped 19 wins and 34 standings points last season — a leap fueled heavily by Celebrini’s dominance at even strength.
The extension also buys the Sharks a year of Celebrini’s unrestricted free agency, keeping him in teal through 2031‑32 and giving the franchise a long runway to build a contender around him. Celebrini echoed that vision, saying he’s ready to help bring a Stanley Cup back to San Jose.
What This Means for San Jose
This deal resets the market. Celebrini’s $18.8 million AAV surpasses Leo Carlsson’s recent contract and signals where elite young talent is headed financially. For the Sharks, it’s a bet on a player who has already delivered historic production — and one who’s still years away from his prime.
San Jose hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2019, but with Celebrini locked in, the franchise finally has its cornerstone. The next step is surrounding him with a roster capable of matching his pace.
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