# Celebrini's record $94M extension and NHL cover > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/macklin-celebrinis-2026-hockey-ascendancy > Updated: 2026-08-02T12:35:00.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 4. In early July 2026 the IIHF named 20‑year‑old San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini Male Player of the Year after a 115‑point season, a five‑goal showing at the Milan‑Cortina Olympics and a strong World Championship performance. EA Sports then placed him on the cover of NHL 27, highlighting his historic point total and his status as the youngest player ever featured. Celebrini entered the final year of his three‑year, $2.925 million entry‑level contract (a $975,000 cap hit) and said he was willing to leave money on the table to preserve salary‑cap flexibility for the Sharks and help the team secure a playoff run. On 28 July 2026 the Sharks announced a five‑year, $94 million extension for Celebrini, an average annual value of $18.8 million that makes him the league’s highest‑paid player. The deal, effective from the 2027‑28 season, keeps him in San Jose through 2031‑32 and allows him to test unrestricted free agency in 2032. General manager Mike Grier called him a premier talent and said the contract is a cornerstone for building a Stanley‑Cup‑contending core. Owner Hasso Plattner praised Celebrini’s willingness to sacrifice immediate earnings to give the club cap flexibility, underscoring the extension’s role in the Sharks’ long‑term strategy, even as the team missed the playoffs for a seventh straight year after a 34‑point improvement. The extension surpasses the previous NHL record AAV set by Leo Carlsson and was announced alongside other Sharks moves, including the signing of winger Collin Grafton. The contract solidifies Celebrini’s status as the league’s top scorer and a central figure in San Jose’s rebuilding plans. ## Claims - The contract has an average annual value of $18.8 million, making Celebrini the highest‑paid NHL player. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The contract commences in the 2027‑2028 NHL season. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Celebrini recorded 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in the 2025‑26 season. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Celebrini led Team Canada in goals at the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Olympics, helping win a silver medal. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million contract extension with the San Jose Sharks. (corroborated by 8 sources) - General manager Mike Grier said the deal will help build a Stanley Cup‑contending team. (corroborated by 8 sources) - General manager Mike Grier said Celebrini is a premier player and expressed excitement about the extension. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Celebrini was named IIHF Male Player of the Year for the 2025‑26 season. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Sharks missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season despite a 34‑point improvement. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-02: San Jose Sharks sign Macklin Celebrini to record $94 million contract The Sharks gave Macklin Celebrini a record $94 million, five‑year contract; Penguins extended Thomas Novak; Oilers may trade Janmark and Howard. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-jose-sharks-sign-macklin-celebrini-to-record-94-million-contract ### 2026-07-28: Macklin Celebrini signs record $94 M extension with San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini signs a five‑year, $94 M extension with the San Jose Sharks, earning a $18.8 M AAV to become the NHL’s highest‑paid player, starting in 2027‑28. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-jose-sharks-lock-up-macklin-celebrini-with-record-94m-extension ### 2026-07-14: Macklin Celebrini Named NHL 27 Cover Athlete as He Weighs Contract Extension with Sharks Sharks star Macklin Celebrini, who posted a record 115‑point season, was named EA Sports’ NHL 27 cover athlete and is weighing a contract extension, saying he may forgo higher pay to give San Jose salary‑cap ​​ 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macklin-celebrini-named-ea-sports-nhl-27-cover-athlete ### 2026-07-08: Macklin Celebrini Wins IIHF Male Player of the Year Award Macklin Celebrini was voted 2026 IIHF Male Player of the Year, beating Connor Hellebuyck and Sebastian Aho after a standout season that included an Olympic silver medal, a World Championship best‑forward award, 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macklin-celebrini-wins-iihf-male-player-of-the-year-award --- Cite as: Celebrini's record $94M extension and NHL cover. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/macklin-celebrinis-2026-hockey-ascendancy