Celebrini Signs 5-Year, $94 Million Sharks Extension as NHL AAV Record Hits $18.8 Million
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 29
Celebrini Signs 5-Year, $94 Million Sharks Extension as NHL AAV Record Hits $18.8 Million
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 29
Summary
$94 million over five years makes Macklin Celebrini's new Sharks extension the richest in franchise history and the NHL's highest average annual value at $18.8 million.
San Jose moved early to lock up its 20-year-old centerpiece before his 2027-28 start date, part of a wider rush by teams to secure elite young RFAs before offer sheets become a threat.
Celebrini earned that leverage with 115 points last season — 45 goals and 70 assists — ranking fourth in the NHL and fourth in Hart Trophy voting in just his second season.
The deal tops San Jose's previous record, Erik Karlsson's eight-year, $92 million extension in 2019, and lands in a market already lifted by Leo Carlsson's $90 million and Connor Bedard's $75 million contracts.
A rising salary cap — set at $113.5 million for 2027-28 — could soon push the benchmark higher as stars including Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes and Connor McDavid approach new negotiations.