NHL News: Macklin Celebrini Signs Extension in San Jose

Celebrini’s will become the highest paid player in the NHL with an $18.8 million AAV starting next July 1st. He surpasses Leo Carlsson‘s AAV of $18 million. However, right now Carlsson remains the highest paid player in the NHL, but that could change with the contracts that could be signed by two defenseman looking for extensions.

Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith will earn big contract extensions

As fas as Celebrini goes, the Sharks were always going to get an extension done. This was not going to be a case where San Jose let Celebrini go into restricted free agency with the potential of an offer sheet. Once Carlsson got the offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers of $18 million, which was matched by the Anaheim Ducks, Sharks GM Mike Grier knew the number.

“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,” Grier said in a press release. “We are extremely excited to have him secured and committed as the centerpiece of a core of talented players in San Jose. ”

In just his second season in the NHL, Celebrini recorded 115 points (45 goals and 70 assists). His 115 points and 45 goals were tied for fourth in the NHL. In addition, his 70 assists were seventh in the NHL. Not to mention, Celebrini became just the sixth teenager in NHL history to record 100 points and first since Sidney Crosby.

Macklin Celebrini Extension Eligible, and Connor Bedard Will Get A Big New Deal

There was a reason why he was a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, given each year to the most outstanding player in the NHL, and the Hart Trophy as MVP of the regular season in the NHL as he factored into 46.2 percent of the Sharks offense. Macklin Celebrini was everything to the Sharks and more.

So GM Mike Grier knew that he was going to give Celebrini whatever he wanted and more. However, at the end of the seaso the Sharks GM told members of the media there was no rush to get a deal done this offseason. He was comfortable having him go into the season on the final year of his ELC, but always knew a deal would eventually get done.

Again the first overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft was going to be part of the long-term future in San Jose. Even Celebrini was open to signing a deal this offseason when he spoke to the media at the end of the season. Now he gets the deal done and can continue to focus on getting better on the ice.

“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” Celebrini said in a statement. “The faith and support that Mr. 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.”

Like Mike Grier his agent Pat Brisson felt these negotiations went smoothly and everything was about Macklin Celebrini’s future in San Jose.

“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 in a statement, Co-Head of Hockey at CAA Sports, Celebrini’s agency. “Macklin is not only an exceptional player, but also an outstanding person, and we’re proud to support him as he continues his journey with the Sharks.”

Now the San Jose Sharks have their franchise player locked up for five more seasons as the Auston Matthews trend continues amongst the young players in the NHL.