Macklin Celebrini’s massive new contract with the San Jose Sharks may have changed more than just the future of one franchise.
On Wednesday, the NHL sensation signed a five-year, $94 million extension carrying a cap hit of $18.8 million, the highest average annual value in NHL history. While the deal secures the Sharks’ franchise player for years to come, it could also have significant implications for the New York Islanders and young defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
Islanders Face Matthew Schaefer Questions After Celebrini Deal
Not long after the extension was announced, veteran NHL insider Jeff Marek raised the question that many around the league were already asking.
“And next July, Matthew Schaefer’s number will be…?” Marek questioned.
It’s a fair question.
Over the past few years, the NHL has seen elite young stars receive increasingly lucrative contracts earlier in their careers. Connor Bedard, the first overall selection in 2023, signed a five-year, $75 million extension with the Chicago Blackhawks this summer.
Celebrini, who was selected first overall the next year, then pushed the market to an entirely new level after recording an incredible 115-point season in San Jose, setting a new benchmark for the league’s brightest young stars.
That naturally shifts the focus to Schaefer, the Islanders’ first overall pick from 2025.
The Calder Trophy winner made an immediate impact during his rookie season with the Islanders, collecting 23 goals and 59 points while earning unanimous honors as the best entrant into the league. His offensive production and poise quickly established him as one of the league’s most promising young defensemen.
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Why the Islanders Are Paying Attention
Schaefer isn’t eligible to sign an extension until July 1, 2027, but the Islanders already know that day is approaching quickly.
Elite defensemen are among the most valuable assets in the NHL, and Schaefer’s impressive rookie campaign has only strengthened his position. By the time extension talks begin, the league’s salary cap is expected to have risen significantly, giving his representatives even more leverage during negotiations.
Celebrini’s contract could become an important yardstick.
If a young franchise center can command nearly $19 million per season, it is easy to understand why Schaefer’s camp might seek a deal near the top of the market as well.
For Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche, the challenge now is planning for the future. New York has identified Schaefer as the centerpiece of the franchise, and keeping him on Long Island will almost certainly require one of the largest contracts in team history.
Marek’s comments may have been brief, but they carried an important message. Celebrini has raised the bar, and the Islanders know the cost of retaining their own superstar will rise right along with it.
