Macklin Celebrini signs a record breaking five-year extension with the San Jose Sharks (Credit: Getty Images) Macklin Celebrini has signed a five-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks worth $94 million, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history based on average annual salary. The deal carries an $18.8 million average annual value, a new league record for a single-season salary figure.The 20-year-old forward agreed to the deal while entering the final season of his entry-level contract. Celebrini’s new extension comes after a historic 2025-26 campaign, where he became the Sharks’ single-season points leader. However, the Sharks decided to secure their young star after he delivered a record-setting campaign with 115 points in 82 games.
Macklin Celebrini’s new San Jose Sharks contract sets an NHL salary record
The San Jose Sharks have made a major commitment to Macklin Celebrini by handing him one of the biggest contracts in NHL history. His five-year extension will begin in the 2027-28 season and will keep him with the franchise through the prime years of his young career.Celebrini’s $18.8 million annual salary is higher than the prior NHL record held by Leo Carlsson, who signed a deal with an $18 million average annual value. While Celebrini’s total contract value doesn’t exceed Kirill Kaprizov’s $136 million deal, his yearly payment has still set a new record around the league.Contract DetailInformationTeamSan Jose SharksContract Length5 yearsTotal Value$94 millionAverage Annual Value$18.8 millionContract Start2027-28 seasonThe contract also shows how quickly Celebrini has established himself as one of the NHL’s biggest stars after being selected first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Why the San Jose Sharks signed Macklin Celebrini to a long-term extension
The Sharks did not make this investment only because of Celebrini’s numbers. The franchise sees him as the player who can lead their rebuild and help them get back into Stanley Cup contention.San Jose general manager Mike Grier praised Celebrini’s growth and said the forward established himself as one of the premier players in the world. Grier also said the team is focused on building a competitive roster around him.“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.”
Macklin Celebrini’s record-breaking season made the extension an easy decision
The Sharks got better during the 2025-26 season, finishing with 39 wins and 86 points after struggling the previous year. Even though they missed the playoffs, Celebrini’s performances gave the team confidence about their future direction.Celebrini’s new contract comes after one of the best seasons ever recorded by a teenager in the NHL. The North Vancouver native finished the season with 45 goals and 70 assists, becoming the Sharks’ single-season points leader with 115 points.His performances also continued on the international stage. Celebrini helped Canada win a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics and became one of the top teenage players in Olympic history.Career AchievementYearSelected No. 1 Overall in NHL Draft2024Calder Trophy Finalist2025Olympic Silver Medal2026Sharks Single-Season Points Record2025-26Since entering the league, Celebrini has quickly moved from a highly-rated prospect to the centerpiece of the Sharks’ future. His combination of scoring ability, leadership and maturity has convinced San Jose that he can be the face of the franchise for years to come.