Macklin Celebrini Becomes NHL’s Highest-Paid Player with $94 Million Extension

In a landmark move for both the player and the franchise, the San Jose Sharks announced that star forward Macklin Celebrini has signed a five-year contract extension that will make him the highest-paid player in the NHL. The deal, set to commence in the 2027-28 season, is valued at $94 million, averaging an impressive $18.8 million annually.

This contract surpasses the Philadelphia Flyers’ recent offer sheet to center Leo Carlsson, which carried an $18 million-a-year average but was matched by the Anaheim Ducks. Celebrini, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is coming off a record-breaking sophomore season where he tallied 115 points, setting a new single-season franchise record for the Sharks.

“He would have had the right to ask for the max 20% ($20.8 million average), and we’re very thankful that he was willing to give us some flexibility and take a little less and leave a little money on the table to help us grow our team,” said Sharks general manager Mike Grier. This flexibility allows the Sharks to continue building a competitive roster around their young star.

According to puckpedia.com, the bulk of Celebrini’s contract consists of signing bonuses, with a staggering $20.8 million in pay scheduled for the first three seasons. Grier expressed confidence in Celebrini’s work ethic and motivation, stating, “I think if anything (the contract) will motivate him to be even better than he already is. I don’t think it will change him at all. He’s a self-starter.”

In his first two NHL seasons, Celebrini has amassed 70 goals and a total of 178 points in 152 games. His 115 points last season shattered the previous franchise record held by Joe Thornton. When asked about the possibility of naming Celebrini as the team captain, Grier indicated that discussions regarding leadership would take place later this summer, especially since the Sharks did not have a captain last season.

With the rising salary cap in the NHL, player salaries are also on the rise. The Flyers’ aggressive offer to Carlsson was designed to set a new benchmark, knowing the Ducks would have to match it. Celebrini’s current scoring rate of 0.85 points per game exceeds that of Carlsson’s 0.70. Grier emphasized Celebrini’s drive: “He’s got an unbelievable drive and desire to be the best.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.