San Jose Sharks superstar forward Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension on Wednesday.
At $18.8 million per season, he will become the highest-paid player in the league when his extension kicks in during the 2027-28 season. Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson signed for $18 million per season earlier this offseason.
Celebrini, 20, tallied a franchise-record 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games last season, finishing fourth in the Hart Trophy voting as the league's
MVP. The 115 points eclipsed the previous team record of 114, set by Hall of Famer Joe Thornton in 2006-07.
He was playing in his second season since signing with San Jose as the first overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Celebrini, a Vancouver native, also was the leading goal scorer in the Olympics, netting five goals to pace Canada to the silver medal.
"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. "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."
Celebrini will play in 2026-27 on the last season of his three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract.
"I couldn't be happier to sign an extension today," Celebrini said. "The faith and support that (Sharks owner Hasso) 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."
Celebrini has recorded 178 points (70 goals, 108 assists) through 152 career games.
--Field Level Media
