Macklin Celebrini hints at pay cut for Sharks' Stanley Cup push

Macklin Celebrini could become the NHL's highest-paid player on his next contract. But the San Jose Sharks star isn't ruling out taking less money to help the team win a Stanley Cup.

What did Celebrini say about his contract?

Celebrini told ESPN's Greg Wyshynski he's open to following the example of Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby. Both superstars took pay cuts earlier in their careers to help their teams stay under the salary cap.

'I mean, that's why all of us play,' Celebrini said. 'We want to win. We're competitive and we want to win. Obviously, guys want to get paid: as they should. But you want to put your team in the best spot possible.'

Why this matters for the Sharks

Celebrini's 45-goal, 115-point sophomore season makes him a prime candidate for a record-breaking deal. But with the Sharks eyeing a return to the playoffs, his willingness to consider a pay cut could shape their championship window.

The Sharks haven't made the playoffs since 2019. That year, they lost to the eventual champion St. Louis Blues in the Western Conference Final.

What's next for Celebrini and the Sharks?

Celebrini has a year left on his current deal. He says there's no rush to sign an extension, but negotiations could heat up as the Sharks plan for their long-term future.

With Leo Carlsson now making $18 million per year, Celebrini could command even more. But his team-first attitude might lead him to leave money on the table.

Celebrini also had a standout international season. He scored 10 points for Team Canada at the 2024 Winter Olympics and captained Canada at the IIHF World Championships in May. He was named the IIHF Male Player of the Year in 2025-26.

The Sharks have cap flexibility now, but extensions for Will Smith and Yaroslav Askarov loom. Top prospects like Michael Misa and Igor Chernyshov will also need new deals soon.

If Celebrini takes less, it could give San Jose the financial flexibility to build a championship roster.