The San Jose Sharks secured the No. 1 overall pick within the 2024 NHL Draft after winning the Draft Lottery and used it to pick out phenom forward Macklin Celebrini, who has quickly turn out to be the face of the franchise.
In actual fact, Celebrini finished fourth in NHL scoring last season, trailing only Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov, while also earning a spot on the star-studded Team Canada roster for the 2026 Milan Olympics.
Although Celebrini still has one yr remaining on his entry-level contract, Sharks general manager Mike Grier has already taken steps to make sure the young star will soon turn out to be the highest-paid player in NHL history. On Wednesday, San Jose announced a five-year contract extension for Celebrini with a salary cap hit of $18.5 million, meaning Leo Carlsson will hold the title of the NHL’s highest-paid player for only one season before being surpassed by Celebrini’s latest deal when it takes effect in 2027.
“In only two seasons as a young person within the National Hockey League and on the International stage, Macklin has established himself as one in all the premier players on the earth,” said Grier, via NHL.com “We’re extremely excited to have him secured and committed because the centerpiece of a core of talented players in San Jose.
“As we proceed our goal of constructing a team able to annually competing for the Stanley Cup, we would like to thank Macklin and his representatives for a respectful negotiation process, and acknowledge the pliability they’ve provided to the team in how we allocate future dollars towards the team being constructed around Macklin.
“I also wish to thank Hasso Plattner for his continued commitment and steadfast dedication to providing the financial resources to place one of the best team possible on the ice for our passionate fans, who deserve a winner in San Jose.”
“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” Celebrini said. “The religion and support that Mr. Plattner, Mike Grier and the whole staff have shown me throughout the past two seasons is proof that we’re constructing something special here. My teammates and I are able to take one other step toward the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to this city and its incredible fans. I can’t wait to get going.”
“From our very first conversation, it was clear that Mike and Mr. Plattner were fully committed to Macklin’s future in San Jose,” said Pat Brisson, Co-Head of Hockey at CAA Sports, Celebrini’s agency. “Macklin will not be only an exceptional player, but in addition an excellent person, and we’re proud to support him as he continues his journey with the Sharks.”
While Celebrini is ready to money in now, just how does his deal affect the general landscape of the Sharks?
Macklin Celebrini cashed in and has the possibility to accomplish that again
For Celebrini, the contract is nothing in need of a grand slam. Not only will he turn out to be the highest-paid player in NHL history by the point his contract takes effect, but he’ll only be 25 years old when it comes time for an additional deal. If Celebrini continues his upward trajectory, his next contract could potentially make his upcoming deal appear like an amazing bargain.
With 45 goals and 70 assists last season, Celebrini was the fourth overall points leader within the NHL and has turn out to be the face of an up-and-coming Sharks team that boasts other talents like Will Smith and Michael Misa. Because it currently stands, the Sharks are set to turn out to be major players within the Western Conference once more, and will soon once more turn out to be a dominant force the best way they were through the days of Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, Evgeni Nabokov, and Patrick Marleau.
Grade for Macklin Celebrini: A+
Did the Sharks make the precise decision with a five-year pact?
While the Sharks are fortunate to have one in all the NHL’s brightest young stars under contract for the following six seasons—including the ultimate yr of his entry-level deal—some critics imagine the extension comes with just a few potential long-term concerns value noting.
For starters, Celebrini’s latest contract will devour nearly 20 percent of San Jose’s salary cap, which could make it tougher for the Sharks to afford lucrative extensions for fellow young standouts Will Smith and Michael Misa when their next contracts come due.
Moreover, Celebrini’s extension only keeps him in San Jose through his age-25 season, just as he could possibly be entering the prime of his profession and producing even higher numbers than he posted in 2025-26. Because of this, general manager Mike Grier may eventually must commit a good larger contract to maintain his franchise cornerstone with the organization for the long haul.
That being said, they needed to get Celebrini signed, they usually can worry in regards to the rest later.
Grade for the Sharks: B+
The San Jose Sharks secured the No. 1 overall pick within the 2024 NHL Draft after winning the Draft Lottery and used it to pick out phenom forward Macklin Celebrini, who has quickly turn out to be the face of the franchise. In actual fact, Celebrini finished fourth in NHL scoring last season, trailing only Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov, while also earning a spot on the star-studded Team Canada roster for the 2026 Milan Olympics.