Macklin Celebrini’s massive NHL contract comes with big expectations

The San Jose Sharks have made a franchise-defining commitment today by signing Macklin Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million extension. The deal carries a league-high $18.8 million average annual value and begins in the 2027-28 season, which now means that the expectations will be even higher from the Sharks' superstar.

So far, he is heading in the right direction, as his contract follows a remarkable sophomore campaign. Celebrini produced 45 goals and 70 assists for 115 points in 82 games. He broke Joe Thornton's single-season franchise scoring record and finished fourth in NHL scoring.