Nathan MacKinnon’s contract influence looms as Celebrini eyes pay cut for Sharks

San Jose Sharks rookie phenom Macklin Celebrini has openly embraced the Nathan MacKinnon approach to contract negotiations, telling ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski on 18 Jun that he’s ready to accept a pay cut on his next deal to keep the Sharks competitive.

What did Celebrini say about Nathan MacKinnon’s influence?

Celebrini, 20, made the comments while reflecting on the financial sacrifices made by MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby to help their teams land top talent. “Yeah, 100%,” he said when asked if he’d follow their lead. “I mean, that’s why all of us play. We want to win. We’re competitive and we want to win.”

How does Nathan MacKinnon’s deal compare to the current market?

MacKinnon signed a five-year, $62.5-million extension in Sep 2022 at $12.6-million AAV-just $100,000 above the league’s next-highest salary at the time. His restraint reset the market without fully breaking it. Crosby has held at $8.7-million since 2008, while Connor McDavid took a flat $12.5-million AAV on a two-year extension in 2025 to aid Edmonton’s cap.

What’s next for Macklin Celebrini’s contract talks?

Celebrini still has one year left on his entry-level deal and isn’t rushing to sign. “I think it’s just whenever it makes sense for both sides,” he said. “I still have a year left. There’s no reason to rush.”

Where does Celebrini’s value sit in today’s NHL?

Coming off a 115-point sophomore season-fourth in Hart Trophy voting-Celebrini could command $20-million AAV or more. That’s clear after the Philadelphia Flyers’ $18-million offer sheet to Leo Carlsson, which Anaheim matched on 11 Jul. Celebrini also headlines the NHL 27 cover, released on 16 Jul.