Sharks' Macklin Celebrini Open to Contract Extension This Summer

The 20-year-old centerman is coming off a record-breaking season with 115 points.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey player in mid-stride, with their body fractured into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of teal, orange, and navy blue, conveying the energy and movement of the sport.Celebrini's dynamic play style is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the young star's impact on the Sharks' offense.San Jose Today

San Jose Sharks leading scorer Macklin Celebrini, who just finished his third NHL season with a team-record 115 points, said he is open to signing a contract extension as soon as this summer. Celebrini, who will be entering the final year of his entry-level deal in 2026-27, can sign an extension with the Sharks starting on July 1. The upcoming offseason is the last time players can sign eight-year contract extensions before the new collective bargaining agreement limits extensions to seven years.

Why it matters

Celebrini's next contract will likely make him one of the NHL's highest-paid players, as the 20-year-old centerman is coming off a historic season for the Sharks. Retaining Celebrini long-term is crucial for the franchise as they look to build around their young star and return to the playoffs.

The details

Celebrini finished the 2025-26 season with 115 points in 82 games, breaking Joe Thornton's single-season franchise record. The Sharks can sign Celebrini to an eight-year extension this offseason, but starting in mid-September, the maximum contract length will be reduced to seven years under the new CBA.

  • Celebrini can sign a contract extension with the Sharks starting on July 1, 2026.
  • Celebrini just finished the 2025-26 season, his third in the NHL, with a team-record 115 points.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A 20-year-old centerman who just finished his third NHL season with the San Jose Sharks, setting a franchise record with 115 points.

Joe Thornton

A former Sharks player whose single-season franchise scoring record of 115 points was broken by Celebrini.

Mike Grier

The general manager of the San Jose Sharks.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't thought too deeply about my next contract, but I'm open to signing an extension this summer if that's what works best for the team and myself.”

— Macklin Celebrini, Sharks Player

What’s next

The Sharks and Celebrini will likely negotiate a contract extension this offseason, with the goal of locking up the young star long-term before the new CBA limits extensions to seven years.

The takeaway

Celebrini's record-breaking season has established him as one of the NHL's rising young talents, and the Sharks will prioritize signing him to a lucrative long-term extension this summer to build around him as the franchise looks to return to the playoffs.