Macklin Celebrini has quickly become the centerpiece of the San Jose Sharks’ long-term plans after an extraordinary rise through his first two NHL seasons. His record-setting production, international success, and growing influence within the organization left little doubt that a massive extension was on the horizon.
Rather than waiting for another year of negotiations, San Jose moved early to secure its franchise player before the market climbed even higher.
Josh Yohe Believes Macklin Celebrini’s Deal Will Age Well
The San Jose Sharks made history by signing Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million extension carrying an annual average value of $18.8 million, making the young star the highest-paid player in NHL history by AAV.
While the size of the deal immediately became a league-wide talking point, Penguins insider Josh Yohe believes the agreement will only look better as the years pass.
Reacting to the signing on X, Yohe argued that the changing financial landscape around the NHL played a major role in shaping the contract.
“The Flyers certainly made a few players around the league even wealthier than they would have been,” he wrote before adding, “That said, I think this is a fair deal for both sides. At some point during that contract, he will be the NHL’s best player.”
Yohe’s comments point directly to the ripple effect created earlier this offseason when the Philadelphia Flyers signed Leo Carlsson to an $18 million AAV offer sheet that Anaheim ultimately matched.
That contract established a new benchmark for elite young talent, and Celebrini’s camp entered negotiations with an even stronger case after his remarkable sophomore season.
The Sharks also had practical reasons for completing the extension well before Celebrini reached restricted free agency. By acting now, San Jose avoided the possibility of another team forcing its hand with an even larger offer sheet after the salary cap rises again.
This strategy reflects the direction San Jose has taken under general manager Mike Grier. The organization has assembled one of the NHL’s strongest collections of young talent, with players such as Michael Misa, Will Smith, Ivar Stenberg, Sam Dickinson, Keaton Verhoeff, and Yaroslav Askarov expected to form the core supporting cast around Celebrini.
Locking up the franchise centerpiece early gives the Sharks greater certainty as that group continues to develop together.
ALSO READ: NHL Agent Makes Feelings Clear on Macklin Celebrini’s Record-Breaking $94 Million Contract
Celebrini also emphasized that his commitment extends beyond the contract itself. Speaking after the announcement, he said, “I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today.”
He thanked owner Hasso Plattner, general manager Mike Grier, and the organization for their belief in him, adding, “The faith and support are proof that we are building something special here.”
The 20-year-old also made clear that his attention is already on the next step, saying, “My teammates and I are ready to take another step toward the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to this city and its incredible fans. I can’t wait to get going.”
