Macklin Celebrini Signs Record $94 Million Contract Extension with Sharks

In a landmark move for both the player and the franchise, Sharks star Macklin Celebrini has officially signed a stunning five-year contract extension worth $94 million, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history. The deal boasts an unprecedented average annual value of $18.8 million, surpassing the previous record of $18 million AAV set by Leo Carlsson earlier this month when the Ducks matched an offer sheet from the Flyers.

At just 20 years old, Celebrini was eligible for this extension as he enters the final year of his entry-level contract with the Sharks. The new contract is set to take effect at the start of the 2027-28 season, solidifying Celebrini’s status as a cornerstone of the franchise.

“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” Celebrini expressed 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.”

Since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, Celebrini has blossomed into a star for San Jose, setting a franchise record with 115 points in the 2025-26 season and ranking second in Sharks history with 45 goals. His impressive performance also earned him a spot as a finalist for the Ted Lindsey Award, which honors the NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by the NHL Players Association.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier lauded Celebrini’s rapid ascent in the league. “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,” Grier noted. “We are extremely excited to have him secured and committed as the centerpiece of a core of talented players in San Jose.”

Grier also expressed gratitude for the negotiation process, emphasizing the flexibility provided by Celebrini and his representatives. “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.”

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