Macklin Celebrini Signs Record-Breaking $94 Million Extension, Becoming NHL’s Highest-Paid Player

The San Jose Sharks announced on July 29, 2026 that forward Macklin Celebrini has agreed to a five-year extension worth $94 million total, an $18.8 million average annual value (AAV). The deal makes Celebrini the highest-paid player in NHL history on a per-season basis, surpassing the previous $18 million AAV held by Leo Carlsson. The contract begins in the 2027-28 season and runs through 2031-32.

Macklin Celebrini Becomes NHL’s Highest-Paid Player With Record $94 Million Sharks Extension | Check Top 10 NHL Contracts Macklin Celebrini set to become NHL’s highest-paid player after signing five-year, $94 million extension with Sharks Macklin Celebrini Signs with Sharks, Becoming Highest-Paid Player in NHL History New York PostBleacher Report

Celebrini was selected first overall by San Jose in the 2024 NHL Draft. After a rookie season of 25 goals and 63 points, he posted a franchise-record 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 2025-26, ranking fourth in the league. The Sharks missed the playoffs for the seventh straight year but improved by 34 points that season, the tenth-best single-season jump in three decades. Celebrini’s contract follows recent market escalation: Kirill Kaprizov set a $17 million AAV record in 2026-27, and Leo Carlsson briefly held the top spot with an $18 million AAV in early July 2026.

Bleacher ReportSharks sign Celebrini to 5-year, $94M extension Celebrini signs 5-year contract worth NHL-high $18.8 million annually with Sharks Macklin Celebrini Becomes NHL’s Highest-Paid Player With Record $94 Million Sharks Extension | Check Top 10 NHL Contracts Macklin Celebrini set to become NHL’s highest-paid player after signing five-year, $94 million extension with Sharks

• Contract: 5 years, $94 million total; $18.8 million AAV.

Briere's bold offer sheet for Carlsson leads to Celebrini payday

• 2025-26 season: 45 goals, 115 points (fourth in NHL scoring).

Celebrini signs 5-year contract worth NHL-high $18.8 million annually with Sharks

• Career totals: 70 goals, 108 assists, 178 points in 152 games.

Sharks sign Celebrini to 5-year, $94M extension

• Olympics 2026: Led Team Canada with five goals, earning a silver medal and IIHF Male Player of the Year honors.

Macklin Celebrini set to become NHL’s highest-paid player after signing five-year, $94 million extension with Sharks

• Franchise records: Single-season points record; second-most goals in Sharks history.

Celebrini signs 5-year contract worth NHL-high $18.8 million annually with Sharks

General manager Mike Grier said the extension secures the centerpiece of San Jose’s young core and reflects the organization’s commitment to building a Stanley-Cup-contending roster. He noted Celebrini accepted a modest discount to preserve salary-cap flexibility. Owner Hasso Plattner was credited for providing the financial resources needed to retain the player, and Celebrini expressed enthusiasm about the team’s direction and the goal of bringing a championship to the Bay Area.

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• “I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” — Macklin Celebrini

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• July 6, 2024 – Celebrini signs his entry-level contract.

Sharks sign Celebrini to 5-year, $94M extension

• 2025-26 season – Records 115 points, propelling the Sharks to a 34-point improvement.

Celebrini signs 5-year contract worth NHL-high $18.8 million annually with Sharks

• April 1 – Scores two goals and two assists in a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks, becoming the fifth Shark to reach 40 goals in a season.

Celebrini signs 5-year contract worth NHL-high $18.8 million annually with Sharks

• July 29, 2026 – Signs the five-year, $94 million extension.

Macklin Celebrini Signs with Sharks, Becoming Highest-Paid Player in NHL History

• 2027-28 season – Contract term begins.

Briere's bold offer sheet for Carlsson leads to Celebrini payday

Sources differ on which player previously held the highest AAV record. Some cite Kaprizov’s $17 million AAV (September 2026), while others reference Carlsson’s $18 million AAV (July 2026). All agree Celebrini’s $18.8 million AAV now tops both figures. Details on signing bonuses or performance clauses have not been disclosed.

Macklin Celebrini Signs with Sharks, Becoming Highest-Paid Player in NHL History

The Sharks will retain Celebrini through the 2031-32 season; he will become an unrestricted free agent at age 26. The organization plans to continue building around its young core, which includes Michael Misa, Will Smith, Igor Chernyshov and recent first-round picks such as Ivar Stenberg.

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