Macklin Celebrini’s record-breaking contract sets a massive financial benchmark for Matthew Schaefer, potentially making the Islanders’ cornerstone the NHL’s first $20 million player when extension talks begin.
New York Islanders superstar defenseman Matthew Schaefer is eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2027.
The question is how much will he sign for?
Well, his comparable just dropped, as 2025 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini just inked a five-year extension with the San Jose Sharks worth $18.8 million annually.
This deal makes Celebrini the highest paid player per AAV in the NHL.
While Schaefer is not a forward, one could see him get a similar deal: a five-year, $18 million-per-year agreement. If it's a seven-year deal, we could see Schaefer become the first $20 million player.
The Islanders will likely take care of this as soon as next July 1 hits, as there's zero reason to play around like we saw Pat Verbeek and the Anaheim Ducks do with Leo Carlsson.
Schaefer is entering the second season of his three-year entry-level deal.
