Macklin Celebrini has change into a superstar within the NHL. Within the 2025-26 campaign, the San Jose Sharks forward became just the sixth teenager to attain 100-points in an NHL season, while ending fourth within the league in scoring. He also won a silver medal with Canada on the 2026 Winter Olympics and was named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award. The list of accolades continued this week, as Celebrini was honored because the NHL 27 cover athlete, becoming the youngest player to ever grace the quilt and the second member of the Sharks to ever be placed on the quilt.
Now, Celebrini, who will change into a restricted free agent at the top of the 2026-27 season, is eligible for a contract extension. Still, the young superstar is not stressed concerning the future contract, in response to DJ Siddiqi of HEAVY.com.
“It’s form of whatever happens,” said Celebrini. “I’d wish to get it sorted in some unspecified time in the future, simply to form of put it behind me, and never be excited about it next yr. Also show my commitment, and put the team in a superb spot where we understand how every part’s going to work out. I believe it is crucial. Obviously it might not get done this summer, but we’re definitely going to discuss it.”
The Sharks missed the playoffs by just 4 points in 2025-26, but have a solid young core that can proceed to grow. The team still has Will Smith, Michael Misa, Sam Dickinson, and Yaroslav Askarov returning to the squad. Meanwhile, the Sharks drafted Ivar Stenberg with the second overall selection within the 2026 NHL Draft.
“I believe it’s protected to say making the playoffs as a team, that shouldn’t be out of the query,” said Celebrini. “We’ve made the best moves, and now we have the best group to make a run, and it’s going to be my first playoff push, which I’m really excited for. We had just a little little bit of it last yr, where we finished 4 points out, but I believe just this yr now we have some necessary pieces that I’m excited to work with.
It is evident the franchise has a plan for the longer term, and a part of that plan is Celebrini. Now, they should lock up Celebrini as a part of the execution of the plan.
Macklin Celebrini has change into a superstar within the NHL. Within the 2025-26 campaign, the San Jose Sharks forward became just the sixth teenager to attain 100-points in an NHL season, while ending fourth within the league in scoring. He also won a silver medal with Canada on the 2026 Winter Olympics and was named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award.