Macklin Celebrini has become the highest-paid player in the NHL after signing a five-year extension with the San Jose Sharks, ending Leo Carlsson's brief spell atop the league's pay scale. The deal underlines the rapid rise of the young forward, who was the Sharks' top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and signals the club's intent to build its future around him as it looks to return to contention.

The extension is reported to be worth $18.8 million annually and will take effect from the 2027-28 season, surpassing the contract recently signed by Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson, whose reign as the league's top earner lasted only a matter of months, not even reaching the start of the regular season. Celebrini's swift ascent to the top of the NHL pay charts reflects the value teams are placing on elite young talent secured to long-term deals.