Sharks' Celebrini Says He Has Not Discussed Contract Extension Yet

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini said he would consider accepting less than market value on a contract extension to give the team more flexibility. Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is eligible to sign an extension this offseason while entering the final year of his entry-level contract that carries a $975,000 salary cap hit.

The 20-year-old recorded 115 points in the 2025-26 season, setting a Sharks franchise record, and scored 45 goals, the second-most in team history.

He was a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award and was named Male Player of the Year by the International Ice Hockey Federation after posting five goals and five assists in six games for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Celebrini cited Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby's earlier decisions to take discounts on contracts as a factor in his thinking.

He noted that players want to get paid but also aim to position their teams to make moves needed to win.

The NHL salary landscape shifted this offseason when the Philadelphia Flyers signed Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year offer sheet with an $18 million average annual value that the Ducks matched, making Carlsson the highest-paid player for the 2026-27 season.

Celebrini said discussions among players about that contract have been widespread. Celebrini told ESPN he has not had many discussions about his own extension yet and intends to remain patient.

"I think it's just whenever it makes sense for both sides. There's no reason to rush," he said.