Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck against Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks during the third period on April 15, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini have already established themselves as two of the National Hockey League’s most valuable young talents. Since being selected first overall in the 2020 draft, Bedard has been the face of the Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuild, while Celebrini has quickly cemented himself as the foundation of the San Jose Sharks’ long-term plans after a strong start to his pro career.The money talk surrounding both players only intensified during the 2026 offseason. Celebrini signed a landmark five-year, $94 million contract extension with the Sharks that’s a new NHL record for average annual value. But with the extension kicking in in 2027-28, Bedard is financially better off now with an active five-year, $75 million extension with the Blackhawks, a robust endorsement portfolio and higher cumulative career earnings.
Comparison of Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini net worth in 2026
Macklin Celebrini signed the more lucrative long-term deal, but Connor Bedard currently has the financial advantage. Bedard’s estimated net worth is $5 million, bolstered by three seasons of NHL earnings, endorsement income and a new deal that lifts his annual cash flow immediately with the 2026-27 season.Celebrini’s net worth is estimated at $2 million to $3 million. His recent $94 million extension made headlines across the hockey world, but he’s still on his entry-level deal through 2026-27. So most of his career-altering earnings won’t kick in until next season.Financial categoryConnor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks)Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks)Estimated net worth (2026)$5 million$2–3 millionNHL statusCompleted entry-level contractFinal season of entry-level contractCurrent extension5 years, $75 million5 years, $94 millionExtension AAV$15 million$18.8 millionMajor income sourcesNHL salary, signing bonus, endorsementsNHL salary, endorsementsWealth outlookImmediate financial growthSignificant jump beginning 2027-28The contrast has led to plenty of debate because, from a technical standpoint, Celebrini has the bigger contract, but Bedard is still richer today. A lot of that has to do with timing. Bedard’s extension kicked in immediately after his entry-level deal expired, meaning he’ll earn a huge signing bonus and a higher salary during the 2026-27 campaign.
Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard’s career earnings and endorsements
Connor Bedard came to the NHL with huge expectations after being the first overall selection by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft. In three seasons, he has blossomed into one of hockey’s top young stars and has grown his on-ice earning power and commercial appeal.The three-year entry-level contract was a solid financial base through salary, signing bonuses and performance incentives. Bedard repaid Chicago’s faith with a five-year, $75 million extension in July 2026 with an average annual value of $15 million.CategoryDetailsTeamChicago BlackhawksEntry-level contract3 years, up to $13.35 millionNew extension5 years, $75 millionAverage annual value$15 million2026-27 base salaryApproximately $7.2 million2026-27 signing bonusApproximately $9.8 millionEstimated total 2026-27 cash earningsApproximately $17 millionBut away from the ice, Bedard has quickly become one of the NHL’s most marketable young athletes. He’s also been able to use his reputation as a franchise player to get partnerships with a number of big brands, which gives him another major source of income on top of his playing contract.
San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini contract and wealth outlook
Macklin Celebrini’s financial fortunes changed dramatically in the 2026 offseason when the San Jose Sharks inked the franchise centrepiece to a landmark five-year contract extension worth $94 million. The deal had an average annual value (AAV) of $18.8 million, the richest contract by AAV in NHL history at the time it was signed.While Celebrini is making big headlines with his numbers, his actual salary is still quite modest at the moment as he is still on his three-year entry-level deal through the 2026-27 season. His record-setting extension doesn’t begin until the 2027-28 season, so the biggest signing bonuses and salary payments are still a year away.CategoryDetailsTeamSan Jose SharksEntry-level contract3 years, $13.425 millionNew extension5 years, $94 millionAverage annual value$18.8 millionExtension begins2027-28 season2026-27 base salaryApproximately $877,5002026-27 signing bonusApproximately $97,500Estimated 2026-27 earningsApproximately $975,000Off the ice, Celebrini has begun to build an endorsement portfolio, too. He doesn’t have the commercial profile breadth of Bedard yet, but he has attracted sponsorship opportunities with hockey equipment manufacturers, sports apparel partnerships and Fanatics. His quick rise with the Sharks has made him more attractive to regional and national advertisers.
Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini net worth comparison explained
Comparing Connor Bedard to Macklin Celebrini is about the difference between having wealth now and the ability to earn more in the future. Bedard has the higher net worth currently, as his second NHL contract is already paying elite-level money, and his endorsement portfolio has had an extra year to mature.Financial categoryConnor BedardMacklin CelebriniTeamChicago BlackhawksSan Jose SharksEstimated net worth (2026)$5 million$2–3 millionCurrent contract value$75 million$94 millionContract statusExtension activeEntry-level contract active2026-27 estimated earnings~$17 million~$975,000Average annual value$15 million$18.8 millionMajor endorsementsLululemon, Gatorade, Sherwood, CIBC, BioSteelFanatics, hockey equipment partnersFinancial advantage in 2026Higher current wealthHigher long-term earning potentialThey are still early on in their professional careers, meaning any future comparisons are subject to change. While Bedard is currently leading in net worth thanks to an active contract and established endorsement income, Celebrini’s financial future looks just as bright as his record-breaking extension begins to pay out significant annual payouts starting in 2027.CategoryConnor BedardMacklin CelebriniEstimated Net Worth (2026)~$5 million~$2–3 millionPrimary Wealth SourceNHL contracts and endorsementsNHL contracts and endorsementsCareer StageEstablished franchise cornerstoneEmerging franchise cornerstoneBiggest Financial MilestoneFive-year, $75 million Blackhawks extensionFive-year, $94 million Sharks extensionFuture Wealth OutlookContinued growth through salary and endorsementsSignificant increase after 2027-28 contract activationHowever, Connor Bedard has the financial edge at this time thanks to his immediate contract earnings, better endorsement portfolio and higher estimated net worth. But Macklin Celebrini has set himself up for some extraordinary long-term growth with a record-setting extension that could eventually shake up the financial pecking order among the next wave of NHL superstars.