Matt Johnson
San Jose Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini just capped off a season at 19 years old where he broke the franchise’s single-season points record and reached milestones only achieved by all-time greats. That could lead to him breaking some new records with his next contract.
In a poll of NHL agents conducted by The Athletic, Celebrini received the second-most votes for picking who will be the highest-paid player in hockeby by the start of the 2028-29 season.
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“Why shouldn’t Celebrini make like 20 million bucks a year? I mean, it’s a lot, but look at that kid. I guess my point with Celebrini is I know it’s not apples to apples because Kaprizov could have become UFA, but if you’re him, why wouldn’t I say, Kaprizov’s getting this, why shouldn’t I make more than Kaprizov?”
NHL agent on Macklin Celebrini potentially getting a $20M/year contract
Another poll asked agents about the future contracts for both Celebrini and fellow No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard. While the Chicago Blackhawks star received plenty of praise, the consensus was that Celebrini is in a “much different tier” than Bedard.
One agent suggested that the eventual extension Celebrini signs with San Jose will land in the $10 to $17 million per season range. If the 19-year-old wants to sign a short-term deal, then it’s more likely to be in the $10-12 million range. If he wants long-term security and to make a longer commitment to the club, then that figure could push to $17-plus million.
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“He’s going to get a monster deal, and they’re going to have to pay him. What Celebrini is doing in San Jose is incredible. It’s been a slow burn with the second contracts being so big. This is going to take them to another level, which will reshape the way teams get squeezed with their high-end guys.”
Anonymous NHL agent on a potential Macklin Celebrini contract extension (via The Athletic)
Celebrini is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Sharks on July 1. During his record-breaking season, in which he tied numerous single-season franchise marks and joined record books of legends like Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, the team was relatively mum on a potential long-term deal.
However, Sharks general manager Mike Grier did joke with reporters when asked about the matter earlier this season by saying “We probably won’t try and sign him.”
For now, per PuckPedia.com, Celebrini is under contract for next season with a $975,000 cap hit at a $877,500 base salary with up to $3.5 million in performance bonuses. While he is eligible for restricted free agency as a 21-year-old following the 2026-27 season, he’ll likely have a new deal in place with San Jose before 2027.
