Macklin Celebrini Signs Massive Deal with the Sharks

The San Jose Sharks have locked in their franchise cornerstone, signing Macklin Celebrini to a five-year extension worth $18.8 million AAV. General manager Mike Grier praised Celebrini as one of the NHL’s premier young talents and emphasized his importance to the team’s long-term vision of becoming a Stanley Cup contender.

For the Edmonton Oilers, the budding superstar is now the official face of Edmonton's Pacific Division rival and his salary will give some indication as to where Connor McDavid's next contract is going to go. 

Celebrini, 20, is coming off a historic sophomore season, finishing with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) and ranking among league leaders in multiple categories. He set franchise records and played a role in nearly half of San Jose’s goals, highlighting his dominance. His impact translated to team success, with the Sharks making a significant leap in wins and points.

It's not a surprise they would give him the biggest contract in the NHL. But how long will it last? McDavid has two more seasons on his current deal and he's already taken a team-friendly extension. Is he willing to do so again? And, how does the $18.8 million impact what McDavid might ask for, if at all?