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Sharks Ink Celebrini to Record $94M, Five-Year Deal

7/30/2026

Summary

Celebrini Signs Record

The San Jose Sharks and Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension on July 29 2026.
The deal’s $18.8 million average annual value is the highest AAV in NHL history, overtaking Leo Carlsson’s $18 million.
Celebrini’s 45 goals and 115 points in 2025-26 placed him fourth in scoring, prompting Sharks GM Mike Grier to name him the team’s premier player and Cup-push centerpiece.

Summary

Sharks Miss Playoffs

The Sharks missed the playoffs for the seventh straight season, finishing four points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the Western wild-card.
The team posted its second-biggest jump, adding 19 wins and 34 points.
Celebrini set a Sharks record with 115 points, the third-most by a teenager, and led the 2026 Olympics with five goals.
San Jose added first-round picks—including No. 2 Ivar Stenberg—and veterans Darnell Nurse, Jacob Trouba and Mason Marchment.

History

Historical Context

The 2004-05 lockout ended on July 13 2005 when Commissioner Gary Bettman imposed a hard $39 million team salary cap, the first full-season cancellation in North American sports. The cap forced teams like Detroit and New York to cut payrolls and set new AAV limits. In 2024 the San Jose Sharks, led by GM Mike Grier, signed teen Macklin Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million contract, reflecting that post-lockout contract trend.

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Celebrini Signs Record

The San Jose Sharks and Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension on July 29 2026.
The deal’s $18.8 million average annual value is the highest AAV in NHL history, overtaking Leo Carlsson’s $18 million.
Celebrini’s 45 goals and 115 points in 2025-26 placed him fourth in scoring, prompting Sharks GM Mike Grier to name him the team’s premier player and Cup-push centerpiece.

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