The San Jose Sharks have officially secured the player they believe will lead them back to Stanley Cup contention, signing Macklin Celebrini to a five-year contract extension carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $18.8 million. At just 20 years old, Celebrini has already established himself as one of the NHL’s premier players, making the deal one of the most significant commitments in franchise history.
For General Manager Mike Grier, the extension represents much more than keeping an elite talent in teal—it solidifies the foundation of the Sharks’ rebuild.
Celebrini Has Become the Face of the Franchise
In announcing the extension, Grier praised Celebrini for quickly emerging as one of the league’s best players while emphasizing that the organization is committed to building a championship contender around him.
That confidence is well deserved after a remarkable sophomore campaign.
Celebrini finished fourth in NHL scoring with 115 points while tying for fourth in goals with 45 and adding 70 assists. He ranked third in the league with 37 even-strength goals and tied for third with 82 even-strength points, proving he wasn’t simply benefiting from power-play opportunities but driving play at five-on-five.
His impact on San Jose was undeniable. The Sharks improved by 19 wins and 34 standings points from the previous season, one of the biggest year-over-year turnarounds in franchise history. When Celebrini scored a goal, the Sharks posted a 26-6-2 record, and they went 37-18-5 whenever he recorded at least one point.
A Historic Season for the Young Star
Celebrini wasn’t just productive—he was historically dominant.
He finished 56 points ahead of San Jose’s next-highest scorer, illustrating how much of the team’s offense flowed through him. He also led the Sharks in virtually every major offensive category, including goals, assists, points, power-play points, game-winning goals, and shots.
His season also placed him alongside some of hockey’s greatest names. Celebrini became just the second player under the age of 20, alongside Wayne Gretzky, to record a 40-goal, 70-assist season. Internationally, he continued to strengthen his résumé by starring for Team Canada at both the 2026 Winter Olympics and IIHF World Championship before being named the IIHF Male Player of the Year.
Sharks Building Around Their Superstar
Every successful rebuild needs a franchise cornerstone, and the Sharks have found theirs.
Since selecting Celebrini first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, San Jose has watched him exceed every expectation both on and off the ice. By committing to him long term, the organization sends a clear message that he will be the centerpiece of everything it hopes to accomplish moving forward.
With one of the NHL’s brightest young stars now under contract and an exciting group of prospects continuing to develop around him, the Sharks have taken another major step toward returning to playoff contention—and eventually, competing for the Stanley Cup.
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