Macklin Celebrini, a prominent forward for the San Jose Sharks, has indicated he would consider taking a reduced salary on his next contract. This approach is influenced by the actions of his Team Canada teammates, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, who have previously signed deals below their potential market value to provide their teams with financial flexibility.
Celebrini, who recently turned 20 in June, acknowledged that players typically seek fair compensation for their performance. However, he emphasized the importance of enabling his team to make strategic moves necessary for success. He stated that the desire to win and competitiveness are primary motivators, and contributing to the team’s ability to contend for championships is a significant factor in his decision-making process.
The young star is currently playing on the final year of his entry-level contract for the 2026-27 season. While he became eligible to sign an extension with the Sharks on July 1, the North Vancouver native expressed no urgency to finalize a new deal. He believes that a new contract will be signed when the timing is appropriate for both parties involved.
Influence of Star Players
The examples set by Crosby and MacKinnon appear to be guiding Celebrini’s perspective. Crosby has signed three consecutive contracts with the Pittsburgh Penguins, each with an average annual value (AAV) of just $8.7 million per season. This figure is considerably lower than what he could have commanded on the open market, demonstrating a commitment to team-building.
Similarly, MacKinnon secured a contract worth $12.6 million per season in 2022. This agreement was made despite his potential to reset the market with a higher demand, indicating a similar willingness to prioritize team financial flexibility. These instances highlight a trend among some elite players to accept less lucrative deals to help their teams maintain a competitive roster.
Celebrini’s recent performance, including finishing third in Hart Trophy voting and the rising salary cap, suggests he could command a record-setting contract. For instance, Leo Carlsson recently signed a deal for $18 million per season, setting a high benchmark. Despite this, Celebrini appears focused on providing the Sharks with the financial room to build a roster capable of competing for the Stanley Cup.
A Season of Achievements
Celebrini is coming off a remarkable 2025-26 season where he recorded 115 points. This impressive tally included 45 goals and 70 assists over 82 games. His performance placed him fourth in the NHL for points, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top offensive talents.
His historic year also saw him join an exclusive group of teenagers who have achieved 100 points in an NHL season. This list includes legendary players such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Dale Hawerchuk, Jimmy Carson, and Crosby, who accomplished the feat twice. This achievement underscores Celebrini’s significant impact on the league at a young age.
Beyond his league performance, Celebrini also made notable contributions on the international stage. He was part of Canada‘s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he was a key player, scoring five goals and 10 points in six games. He led all skaters in goals during the tournament and finished second in overall scoring behind Connor McDavid, helping Canada reach the gold medal game.
Additionally, Celebrini captained Canada at the IIHF Men’s World Championship in the spring. In 10 games, he registered six goals and 14 points, finishing second in points and tying for third in goals at the event. His outstanding international play earned him the title of 2026 IIHF Male Player of the Year.
NHL 27 Cover Athlete
In other news, EA Sports announced on Tuesday that Celebrini will be the cover athlete for NHL 27. This makes him the youngest player ever to be featured on the cover of the long-running video game franchise. He is only the second Sharks player to grace the cover, following former San Jose legend Owen Nolan, who was featured on NHL 2001.
His selection as the cover athlete further highlights his rising profile in the sport, just two years after joining the Sharks. Celebrini’s impact on the team and the broader game has been substantial, following a strong rookie campaign and a season where the Sharks aimed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in seven years.
Despite the team not securing a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, Celebrini’s individual performance established him as a top offensive weapon. His consideration of a contract discount reflects a desire to contribute to the team’s long-term success and competitive aspirations.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
Chloe Tremblay is the Sports Reporter at CasinoNews, covering basketball, tennis and athletics with nine years of reporting experience. She reported on the Raptors' rise and two Olympic cycles. She holds a degree in Journalism from Concordia University. Based in Montreal, she plays recreational basketball and follows track athletics. “The best stories come from the athletes everyone overlooks.”
