NHL agents suggest massive $20M AAV projection for Macklin Celebrini's next contract

NHL star Macklin Celebrini could be the next potential player for a record-setting payday, as speculations are doing the rounds that he might land a staggering $20 million average annual value (AAV) deal in the future. In The Athletic’s annual agent poll, Celebrini’s next contract is already being viewed as a potential market-resetter, despite the young forward still being on his entry-level deal with the San Jose Sharks.

Reports suggest that the 19-year-old is eligible for an extension in 2026, and expectations are rapidly escalating around what that deal could look like. It is important to note that Macklin Celebrini is signed to a 3-year, $2,925,000 contract with a cap hit of $975,000 per season, playing for the San Jose Sharks.

NHL star Macklin Celebrini might land a ‘monster deal’ worth $20 million AAV in his next contract

NHL star Macklin Celebrini is already generating a massive buzz around his long-term earning potential, with league insiders suggesting that the San Jose Sharks star could secure a “monster deal” worth up to $20 million annually on his next contract.

According to reports based on NHL agent surveys, Celebrini’s future extension is being viewed as a potential market-resetting deal. It is to be noted that his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, making Celebrini a Restricted Free Agent.


Speaking about the possibility, the agent stated, “He’s going to get a monster deal, and they’re going to have to pay him. What Celebrini is doing in San Jose is incredible. It’s been a slow burn with the second contracts being so big. This is going to take them to another level, which will reshape the way teams get squeezed with their high-end guys.”

Reports suggest that shorter deals may fall closer to the $10–12 million AAV range, while long-term commitments could climb significantly higher. However, if Celebrini continues his current trajectory, some agents believe a $20 million AAV deal is within reach.

Celebrini deserves such an amount as he has emerged as a promising player in recent times with his great playmaking skills. He has recently finished fourth in this league, behind stars such as Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, recording 112 points, including 44 goals and 68 assists, in 80 games. That made him just the sixth teenager in league history to hit 100 points, joining names like Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky.

As for now, Celebrini is on his entry-level deal through 2026–27, giving the team short-term flexibility. However, the extension talks could begin in 2026, as expectations are already sky-high.

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