San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini is considering accepting a team-friendly contract extension, citing the influence of veteran NHL stars Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. According to an interview with ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, the 20-year-old indicated a willingness to prioritize roster flexibility over a maximum-value deal to help the Sharks become more competitive.
The Influence of Team-First Contracts
Celebrini’s approach mirrors the financial philosophy long held by his Team Canada teammates. Sidney Crosby has maintained a consistent $8.7 million average annual value (AAV) across three consecutive contracts with the Pittsburgh Penguins, a figure significantly lower than his market value. Similarly, Nathan MacKinnon signed an extension in 2022 that avoided resetting the league’s salary market.
“That’s why all of us play. We want to win,” Celebrini told ESPN. While acknowledging that players deserve high compensation, he noted that “you want to put your team in the best spot possible, where you give a team the ability to make moves necessary to win.”
Did you know? Macklin Celebrini’s 115-point 2025-26 season saw him join an exclusive list of teenagers who scored 100 points in an NHL season, joining Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, Dale Hawerchuk and Jimmy Carson.
Contract Timeline and Market Pressures
Celebrini is currently entering the final year of his entry-level contract for the 2026-27 season. Although he became eligible for an extension on July 1, he remains in no rush to finalize a deal, telling Wyshynski that he prefers to wait until the timing makes sense for both sides.
The potential for a record-breaking deal exists. Celebrini finished third in Hart Trophy voting following a breakout year featuring 45 goals and 70 assists. Market precedents, such as Leo Carlsson’s recent $18 million AAV contract, set a high bar for elite young talent. However, Celebrini’s comments suggest that the long-term goal of building a Stanley Cup contender may outweigh the immediate pursuit of a maximum-value salary.
Pro Tip: In modern salary cap management, superstar “discount” contracts are often used by front offices to acquire depth players, effectively balancing individual earnings against total team success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a star player take less money than they are worth?
Players often accept lower AAVs to provide their team with more salary cap space. This allows the organization to sign additional talent, improving the overall roster’s depth and chances of winning a championship.
When can Macklin Celebrini sign his next contract?
Celebrini became eligible for a contract extension on July 1. However, he has stated he is not rushing the process, as he still has one year remaining on his current entry-level deal.
How does Celebrini’s performance compare to other elite teenagers?
Coming off a 115-point campaign in 2025-26, Celebrini became one of the teenagers in NHL history to record 100 points in a single season, joining players like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
What do you think? Should young stars prioritize team-friendly deals to chase a Stanley Cup, or is it better to maximize earning potential early in a career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
