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Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson’s reign as the NHL’s highest-paid player didn’t even last into the regular season, and that’s because there’s a new leader on the salary front, and his name is Macklin Celebrini.
He San Jose Sharks The top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft signed a five-year extension that begins in 2027-28 and is worth an AAV of $18.8 million per year.
That’s $800,000 more than Carlsson will earn this year.
If you had told me that NHL players ages 19-21 would make more money in a season than LeBron James, I would have insisted that you seek professional help.
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But this is the reality we live in and players are increasingly paid.
“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” Celebrini said, according to NHL.com. “The faith and support that Mr. (Sharks owner Hasso) Plattner, Mike Grier and the entire staff have shown me over the past two seasons is proof that we are building something special here. My teammates and I are ready to take another step toward the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to this city and its incredible fans. I can’t wait to get started.”
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Macklin Celebrini’s new extension with the Sharks locks him up for five more years and makes him the highest-paid player in the National Hockey League. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
While it’s a lot of money, this was an incredibly smart move by Sharks general manager Mike Grier.
Celebrini is the undisputed centerpiece of a Sharks team with many good young players like Will Smith and Michael Misa. Celebrini was set to be a restricted free agent next season, and there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t re-sign with San Jose.
Macklin Celebrini’s five-year contract with an AAV of $18.8 million could prove to be a deal in the not-too-distant future. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images))
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But Carlsson got his $18 million contract because the Ducks matched an offer from the Philadelphia Flyers. The Sharks moved quickly and, in doing so, avoided the possibility of a bid. Plus, at the rate the NHL’s salaries and salary cap are rising, it may only be a couple of years before $18.8 million seems like a team-friendly deal.
Especially if Celebrini continues his huge sophomore season in which he scored 115 points (45 G, 70A) and earned a trip to the Olympics.
