Macklin Celebrini Named NHL 27 Cover Athlete as He Weighs Contract Extension with Sharks

San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, 20, posted a franchise‑record 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in the 2025‑26 season and became the youngest player ever to appear on the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 27, appearing on both the Standard and Deluxe editions. The cover announcement was made on July 14, 2026. Celebrini also led Team Canada to a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, was named IIHF Male Player of the Year, a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award and finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting.

Entering the final year of his three‑year, $2.925 million entry‑level contract (a $975,000 cap hit), Celebrini is eligible to sign an extension. In interviews he said he values the Sharks’ ability to retain salary‑cap flexibility and is willing to “leave money on the table” to help the team build a competitive roster. He emphasized that winning and a playoff run are as important as personal compensation, noting that the Sharks are close to a postseason spot.

Celebrini’s contract stance mirrors that of established stars who have taken similar approaches to aid their teams. His dual role as a marquee player on the ice and a marketable face of the sport highlights his growing profile within the NHL.