Sharks star Macklin Celebrini has signed a massive new contract extension that will make him the highest-paid player in the NHL.
The new deal is a five-year, $94 million contract that has a record $18.8 million average annual value, surpassing the $18 million AAV Leo Carlsson got on his five-year, $90 million deal when the Ducks matched the Flyers’ offer sheet earlier this month.
Celebrini, 20, was eligible to sign an extension since he is entering the final year of his entry-level contract with the Sharks and it will kick in at the start of the 202-28 season.
“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” Celebrini said in a statement. “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 2024 No. 1 overall pick has developed into a star for San Jose, setting a franchise record during the 2025-26 season with 115 points and he recorded the second most goals in Sharks history with 45.
Celebrini had also been a finalist for the Ted Lindsey Award for most outstanding player, which is voted on by the NHL Players Association.
“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,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. “We are extremely excited to have him secured and committed as the centerpiece of a core of talented players in San Jose.
“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.”
