Macklin Celebrini has reached a historic milestone following his recent contract extension with the San Jose Sharks. By securing a deal with an $18.8 million average annual value (AAV), Celebrini has surpassed Anaheim Ducks player Leo Carlsson, who previously held the record for the highest-earning player in the NHL with an $18 million AAV.
During a recent episode of the show Wingmen, Florida Panthers stars Matthew and Brady Tkachuk discussed the contract, asserting that the young Sharks standout is entirely deserving of the record-setting salary. The brothers noted that Celebrini is effectively in a league of his own. Despite being only two seasons into his professional career, Celebrini proved his value last season as the Sharks’ most impactful player, recording 115 points—comprised of 45 goals and 70 assists—across 82 games.
As the conversation shifts to who might eventually surpass Celebrini as the league’s highest-paid athlete, NHL analyst Keith Kavanaugh addressed the potential of New York Islanders star Matthew Schaefer during an episode of The Sheet with Jeff Marek. Kavanaugh argued that Schaefer is unlikely to overtake Celebrini’s current earnings. At just 18 years old, Schaefer has already established himself as a vital piece of the Islanders’ roster, having secured the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Kavanaugh noted that while it would not be surprising to see Schaefer land a significant contract extension when his current deal expires at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, he does not foresee him eclipsing Celebrini’s current financial benchmark. In separate hockey news, Janet Gretzky, wife of Wayne Gretzky, recently addressed public criticism regarding her husband’s loyalty to Canada, while also acknowledging the support received from Bobby Orr following the 4 Nations tournament drama.
At 18, Schaefer is one of the New York Islanders’ most important players.
Given that he won the Calder Memorial Trophy and considering his numbers last season, it won’t be surprising to see Schaefer receive a bumper extension when his contract runs out at the end of the 2026-27 season.
