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The San Jose Sharks have secured their franchise cornerstone, as Macklin Celebrini inked a five-year, $94 million extension on Wednesday. The contract, which carries an average annual value of $18.8 million, surpasses the previous record held by Leo Carlsson's $18 million per year offer sheet matched by Anaheim. Celebrini had one season remaining on his entry-level deal before committing to the Sharks through the 2031-32 campaign.
Celebrini expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, noting the support from owner Hasso Plattner, general manager Mike Grier, and the entire organization. He emphasized the collective goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to San Jose and its fans. The 20-year-old, selected first overall in the 2024 draft, has already established himself as one of the NHL's elite young talents. His 178 points rank fifth among teenagers in league history, while his 70 goals are seventh best for a player before turning 20.
Key Analysis
Celebrini's 2024-25 season was historic, as he recorded 45 goals and 70 assists for 115 points, breaking Joe Thornton's franchise single-season record of 114 set in 2006-07. His point total trailed only Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby for the most by a player before age 20. Celebrini also accounted for 46.2% of San Jose's goals, the second-highest rate in the league behind Connor McDavid and the best ever for a teenager. Despite his heroics, the Sharks missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, though they improved by 34 points—the 10th-best single-season jump in the last three decades.
General Manager Mike Grier praised Celebrini's rapid ascension, calling him one of the world's premier players. The Sharks have built a promising young core around Celebrini, including Michael Misa, Will Smith, Igor Chernyshov, and Sam Dickinson. San Jose further bolstered its future by selecting Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg second overall in the draft, along with defensemen Keaton Verhoeff and Ryan Lin in the first round. Grier also added veteran experience by trading for defenseman Darnell Nurse and signing Jacob Trouba and forward Mason Marchment.
Originally reported by nwahomepage.