San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini has signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL by average annual value. The deal, announced Wednesday, carries a salary cap hit of $18.8 million per season, surpassing the previous high of $18 million held by Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson.
Celebrini, who just completed his rookie season with the Sharks, established himself as one of the league's top young talents. The extension locks in the 20-year-old through the 2029-30 season, providing the Sharks with a cornerstone piece for their rebuild.
The contract's structure gives San Jose long-term stability at a premium cost, as the cap hit is the largest in league history. Carlsson's five-year, $90 million extension signed earlier this year had briefly set the benchmark, but Celebrini's deal now eclipses it by $4 million in total value and $800,000 per year.
The Sharks have not disclosed any signing bonuses or no-trade clauses, but the deal solidifies Celebrini as a franchise player. In his debut season, he recorded 60 points in 72 games, earning him a spot among the NHL's elite. The extension reflects the team's confidence in his ability to lead them back to contention.