Star Player Takes Pay Cut to Keep Team Competitive

Clear Facts

• San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension with an AAV of $18.8 million starting in 2027-28
• Celebrini voluntarily left $2 million per year on the table, turning down a maximum possible $20.8 million annual salary
• The young star cited team flexibility and long-term competitiveness as his reason for the discount

San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini is heading into just his third NHL season, but he’s already demonstrating the kind of selfless leadership that builds championship teams. The young forward recently signed a five-year, $94 million extension that kicks in for the 2027-28 season, making him one of the league’s highest-paid players with an AAV of $18.8 million per season.

But here’s what sets Celebrini apart: he could have demanded even more. According to league rules, the maximum a player can be paid per season is 20% of the team’s salary cap. That meant Celebrini could’ve asked for $20.8 million per year, and Sharks GM Mike Grier would likely have approved it without hesitation.

Instead, Celebrini chose to leave $2 million annually on the table to give his team the flexibility it needs to build a winner.

“I want to make sure that with where the (NHL salary) cap was going, that the number made sense for the team first and foremost,” Celebrini said.

“Making sure that everyone can get paid and that we’re in a good spot to build the way we want to build, I felt like we kind of landed on that number. Keeping a little bit more flexibility for everyone, and I mean it’s not really a bad thing. I’m committed to this team and this organization.”

That extra $2 million in cap space will prove invaluable as the Sharks continue their rebuilding process. The team missed the playoffs by just a few points last season and is loaded with promising young talent including Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund, and Michael Misa.

With this kind of smart roster management and team-first mentality from their star players, the Sharks are positioning themselves to become a free agent destination once again. Players want to join organizations that are committed to winning, and Celebrini’s decision sends a clear message about San Jose’s championship aspirations.

The Sharks begin their preseason on September 20 in Anaheim against the Ducks, then open their regular season slate on October 1 at home against the Florida Panthers.

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