Celebrini Lands Record $18.8 Million Annual Value from Sharks

The San Jose Sharks signed Macklin Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million extension announced on Wednesday, July 29, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL by average annual value. The deal carries an average annual value of $18.8 million, surpassing the $18 million per year Leo Carlsson received when Anaheim matched Philadelphia's offer sheet.

Celebrini, 20, has one year remaining on his three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract. The extension begins with the 2027-28 season and keeps him with the Sharks through 2031-32.

"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," general manager Mike Grier said in the team's announcement. "We are extremely excited to have him secured and committed as the centerpiece of a core of talented players in San Jose."

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft posted 25 goals and 38 assists for 63 points over 70 games during his rookie season in 2024-25. He followed that with a breakout sophomore campaign, recording 115 points in 82 games this past season, a total that broke Joe Thornton's franchise single-season record of 114 points set in 2006-07.

Grier also acknowledged the flexibility Celebrini and his representatives provided in structuring the deal, saying the center "was willing to take a little bit less to leave us some flexibility."

"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," Grier said in the team's announcement.

The Sharks have missed the playoffs for seven straight seasons.