San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension featuring a record-setting $18.8 million average annual value, according to NHL.com. The 20-year-old centre revealed he deliberately left money on the table during negotiations to give general manager Mike Grier maximum flexibility for building a Stanley Cup contender around him.
Negotiating Under the Maximum Cap Hit
Celebrini acknowledged to local media on Thursday, as reported by NHL.com, that keeping his cap hit below the maximum allowable average annual value of $20.8 million—which represents 20 percent of the current $104 million salary cap—remained his primary focus. The North Vancouver native noted that he wanted to ensure the organization maintained financial breathing room.
“That was at the front of my mind throughout the whole negotiation,” Celebrini stated, per NHL.com. “I want to make sure that with where the cap was going, that the number made sense for the team first and foremost.”
According to Gino Hard, agent Pat Brisson requested a June sit-down with owner Hasso Plattner and Grier to map out franchise direction before finalizing terms. Celebrini’s upcoming $18.8 million cap hit surpasses the previous high-water mark set by Anaheim Ducks centre Leo Carlsson, who signed for an $18 million AAV following a Philadelphia Flyers offer sheet.
Roster Rebuilding and Financial Flexibility
The newly secured financial flexibility arrives as Grier aggressively reshapes the roster following a 34-point improvement in the standings last season. San Jose fell just short of a playoff berth, missing out by four points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the final Western Conference wild card. To bridge that gap, Grier overhauled the blueline by acquiring defencemen Darnell Nurse at a $9.25 million cap hit, Jacob Trouba at $8.25 million, and Michael Kesslring, alongside signing veteran forward Mason Marchment to a five-year, $33.75 million contract.
PuckPedia data indicates the Sharks hold $3.35 million in available space this off-season. That flexibility could expand by another $8 million if Logan Couture is placed on long-term injured reserve. Couture announced in April 2025 that his playing career was over due to ailments relating to osteitis pubis.
Captaincy Outlook and Future Roster Business
With the on-ice captaincy vacant since the 2023-24 season, speculation has linked Celebrini to the leadership role. When asked about potentially wearing the “C,” the young forward deferred entirely to management.
“I think that is a decision for Mike Grier,” Celebrini said, per NHL.com. “I’m comfortable with myself and how I lead. I don’t think it would really change anything in the way I approach every day and do stuff.”
Attention will soon shift toward securing other core roster pieces, notably forward Will Smith, who is scheduled for restricted free agency next year. Celebrini posted 45 goals and 115 points in 82 games with the Sharks, falling just short of willing the team to the playoffs with 56 more points than his next-closest teammate, Will Smith. As noted by Sheng Peng via Gino Hard, Celebrini expressed strong support for his roommate’s long-term future in San Jose: “Everyone in our room hopes he’s here for a long time.”
Did you know? Macklin Celebrini finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting in just his second NHL season, capturing IIHF Male Player of the Year honors after posting 10 points in six games at Milano Cortina 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Macklin Celebrini’s contract extension with the San Jose Sharks?
Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension carrying an average annual value of $18.8 million, which makes him the highest-paid player in the league once the deal starts next year.
Why did Celebrini take less than the maximum allowable salary?
Celebrini left money on the table in hopes of allowing the Sharks to build a stronger team around him, making sure the number made sense for the team first and foremost.
Who are the new additions to the San Jose Sharks roster?
General manager Mike Grier added defencemen Darnell Nurse, Jacob Trouba, and Michael Kesslring, veteran forward Mason Marchment, and selected forward Ivar Stenberg.
Is Macklin Celebrini going to be the next Sharks captain?
Celebrini noted that the decision is for general manager Mike Grier, stating that he is comfortable with himself and how he leads.
What do you think of Celebrini’s team-first contract approach? Can the Sharks crack the playoff picture this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below, explore more of our NHL coverage, and subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates.
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