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Report: San Jose Sharks make Macklin Celebrini highest paid player in NHL history

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The San Jose Sharks have signed star forward Macklin Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million contract extension with record average annual value of $18.8 million.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Macklin Celebrini

Celebrini’s $18.8 million cap hit tops the then record-setting $18 million AAV Anaheim Ducks centre Leo Carlsson signed through an offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers in early July.

The 20-year-old Celebrini is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign in the NHL, recording 45 goals and 115 points in 82 games with the Sharks.

The first overall draft pick in 2024 finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting last season and he currently has the third-shortest odds at +625 to win the Hart next season.

Celebrini starred for Canada at last year’s Olympics, posting 10 points in six games. He was named IIHF Male Player of the Year after also captaining Canada at the men’s worlds.

“In just two seasons as a teenager in the National Hockey League and on the international stage, Macklin has established himself as one of the premier players in the world,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said. ”We are extremely excited to have him secured and committed as the centrepiece of a core of talented players in San Jose.”

Celebrini still has one season remaining on his three-year entry-level contract, with his new contract beginning in the 2027-28 season.

“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” Celebrini said. “The faith and support that  Mr. Plattner [Sharks majority owner Hasso Plattner], Mike Grier and the entire staff have shown me throughout the past two seasons is proof that we are building something special here. My teammates and I are ready to take another step toward the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to this city and its incredible fans. I can’t wait to get going.”

San Jose Sharks

With Celebrini locked up for the next six years, San Jose will look to take another step forward next season. The Sharks improved by 34 points in the standings last season and just missed reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

Grier has been busy in the off-season, overhauling San Jose’s blueline by brining in Darnell Nurse, Jacob Trouba and Michael Kesselring. He also signed forward Mason Marchment.

Those moves followed the draft, which saw the Sharks select Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg second overall.

The Over/Under for San Jose’s point total next season is set at 93.5 after they finished last year with 86 points.

Oddsmakers still have the Sharks pegged as a growing team as they are +115 to miss the postseason and +195 to lose in the first round of the playoffs.