Overview
- The Sharks announced the five-year, $94 million extension on July 29, which carries an $18.8 million average annual value that takes effect in 2027–28 and tops Leo Carlsson’s $18 million AAV.
- Public contract breakdowns show large signing bonuses concentrated in the early years and a reported full no-movement clause in the final season, a structure that guarantees money up front while keeping the cap hit at $18.8 million.
- San Jose framed the deal as locking in Celebrini as the franchise centerpiece after his 115-point 2025–26 season, and the contract keeps him under team control through the 2031–32 season.
- Analysts say the short, high-AAV deal follows other offseason youth benchmarks and will push comparable pay for rising young stars while forcing teams to rethink near-term salary-cap planning and roster construction.
- The extension increases pressure on the Sharks to convert Celebrini’s elite production into playoff wins and to make subsequent re-signings and depth moves that fit around a heavily compensated young core.