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The NHL contract market could be heading for a major shift, with agents backing a potential $20 million AAV deal for San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini.
In The Athletic’s annual agent poll, more than 20 player representatives weighed in on future contracts, including Celebrini. The consensus was clear that Celebrini’s next deal could redefine second contracts for elite young stars.
One agent called it a ‘monster deal,’ pointing to Celebrini’s impact with the Sharks.
“He’s going to get a monster deal, and they’re going to have to pay him,” The agent said. “What Celebrini is doing in San Jose is incredible. It’s been a slow burn with the second contracts being so big. This is going to take them to another level, which will reshape the way teams get squeezed with their high-end guys.”
MORE: Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini joins Sidney Crosby, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky
Another argued there is no reason he should not push toward $20 million annually. Comparisons to Kirill Kaprizov also surfaced, who has signed a $17M AAV contract, with the agent suggesting Celebrini could demand more given his trajectory and timing.
“Why shouldn’t Celebrini make like 20 million bucks a year?,” The agent said. “I mean, it’s a lot, but look at that kid. I guess my point with Celebrini is I know it’s not apples to apples because Kaprizov could have become UFA, but if you’re him, why wouldn’t I say, Kaprizov’s getting this, why shouldn’t I make more than Kaprizov?”
The rising salary cap only strengthens that case. The cap will be $113.5 million in 2027-28, when Celebriani’s potential next contract would start.
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) controls the puck at SAP Center in San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Celebrini’s production supports the hype. The 2024 first overall pick followed his rookie season with a historic sophomore campaign in 2025-26. He has recorded 112 points, including 44 goals and 68 assists, in 80 games. That made him just the sixth teenager in league history to hit 100 points, joining names like Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky.
Celebrini also finished fourth in league scoring, behind stars such as Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. And beyond scoring, Celebrini drove play in all situations, ranking among league leaders in shots, showing maturity beyond his age. His late-season form, including clutch goals, shows his value as a franchise centerpiece.
MORE: Pressure on Maple Leafs as Auston Matthews seeks clarity on Toronto’s direction
For San Jose, the timing is crucial. Celebrini remains on his entry-level deal through 2026–27, giving the team short-term flexibility. However, extension talks can begin in 2026, and expectations are already sky-high.
If projections hold, Celebrini’s next contract will not just reward performance. It will reshape how teams approach elite young talent in a rising cap era.
Continue reading...
In The Athletic’s annual agent poll, more than 20 player representatives weighed in on future contracts, including Celebrini. The consensus was clear that Celebrini’s next deal could redefine second contracts for elite young stars.
One agent called it a ‘monster deal,’ pointing to Celebrini’s impact with the Sharks.
“He’s going to get a monster deal, and they’re going to have to pay him,” The agent said. “What Celebrini is doing in San Jose is incredible. It’s been a slow burn with the second contracts being so big. This is going to take them to another level, which will reshape the way teams get squeezed with their high-end guys.”
MORE: Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini joins Sidney Crosby, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky
Another argued there is no reason he should not push toward $20 million annually. Comparisons to Kirill Kaprizov also surfaced, who has signed a $17M AAV contract, with the agent suggesting Celebrini could demand more given his trajectory and timing.
“Why shouldn’t Celebrini make like 20 million bucks a year?,” The agent said. “I mean, it’s a lot, but look at that kid. I guess my point with Celebrini is I know it’s not apples to apples because Kaprizov could have become UFA, but if you’re him, why wouldn’t I say, Kaprizov’s getting this, why shouldn’t I make more than Kaprizov?”
The rising salary cap only strengthens that case. The cap will be $113.5 million in 2027-28, when Celebriani’s potential next contract would start.
Macklin Celebrini has shown signs of being a franchise centerpiece
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San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) controls the puck at SAP Center in San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Celebrini’s production supports the hype. The 2024 first overall pick followed his rookie season with a historic sophomore campaign in 2025-26. He has recorded 112 points, including 44 goals and 68 assists, in 80 games. That made him just the sixth teenager in league history to hit 100 points, joining names like Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky.
Celebrini also finished fourth in league scoring, behind stars such as Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. And beyond scoring, Celebrini drove play in all situations, ranking among league leaders in shots, showing maturity beyond his age. His late-season form, including clutch goals, shows his value as a franchise centerpiece.
MORE: Pressure on Maple Leafs as Auston Matthews seeks clarity on Toronto’s direction
For San Jose, the timing is crucial. Celebrini remains on his entry-level deal through 2026–27, giving the team short-term flexibility. However, extension talks can begin in 2026, and expectations are already sky-high.
If projections hold, Celebrini’s next contract will not just reward performance. It will reshape how teams approach elite young talent in a rising cap era.
Continue reading...
