Macklin Celebrini Signs NHL’s Largest Contract with Sharks: $94 Million Extension

The San Jose Sharks have secured their future by signing center Macklin Celebrini to a monumental five-year, $94 million contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday. This deal, which will take effect starting the 2027-28 season, establishes Celebrini’s average annual value at $18.8 million, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL, surpassing the $18 million per season contract of Leo Carlsson from the Anaheim Ducks.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier expressed his enthusiasm about the extension, stating, “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. We are extremely excited to have him secured and committed as the centerpiece of a core of talented players in San Jose.” Grier also acknowledged the respectful negotiation process, thanking Celebrini and his representatives for their flexibility in structuring the deal.

According to Puck Pedia, Celebrini’s contract will see him earn $950,000 in the first two seasons, complemented by a significant $19.85 million signing bonus each year. In the subsequent three years, he will receive a $1 million base salary alongside signing bonuses of $19.8 million, $16.1 million, and $13.5 million. Notably, the final year of the extension will include a no-move clause, providing additional security for the player.

This contract effectively buys the Sharks one year of unrestricted free agency for Celebrini, who could enter the market as a 26-year-old in the summer of 2032. Celebrini, now 20 years old, is entering his third NHL season after a remarkable 2025-26 campaign where he finished fourth in scoring with a career-high 45 goals and 115 points. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft also made history as the youngest player to represent Canada in Olympic hockey, contributing to the team that earned silver after a narrow defeat to the United States in the gold medal match in Milan-Cortina earlier this year.

Adding to his accolades, Celebrini finished fourth in voting for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the league’s most valuable player. Earlier this month, he was also announced as the cover athlete for the upcoming EA Sports video game NHL 27, further solidifying his rising star status in the league.

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