San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini could become one of the NHL‘s biggest contract stories this offseason. The 20-year-old center is eligible to sign an extension while entering the final year of his entry-level contract, which carries a $975,000 salary cap hit.

After a historic sophomore season, Celebrini acknowledged that maximizing every dollar is not his only priority.

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Speaking with ESPN while promoting EA Sports’ NHL 27, the former No. 1 overall pick said building a contender matters just as much.

“Obviously, guys want to get paid – as they should, because you’ve got to make a living,” Celebrini said. “There are guys that deserve those numbers that are getting them, but of course you want to put your team in the best spot possible where you give a team the ability to make moves necessary to win.”

Celebrini also admitted that no decision has been made.

“I haven’t really had many discussions about it or thought through it too much yet,” he said. “Still kind of on the fence. But yeah, there’s definitely a lot to think about.”

Macklin Celebrini is drawing inspiration from NHL stars

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is someone whose approach has shaped Celebrini’s thinking. The two shared the ice with Team Canada, and Crosby has become an important mentor.

Crosby accepted below-market contracts during his career to help Pittsburgh maintain a championship roster. That strategy helped the Penguins keep key players together while winning three Stanley Cups.

Celebrini’s comments come after the NHL’s contract market shifted dramatically. Philadelphia signed 21-year-old center Leo Carlsson to a matched offer sheet carrying an $18 million average annual value, raising expectations for elite young stars.

Still, Celebrini appears open to a different path. He understands that salary cap flexibility can determine whether a contender stays together. Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has expressed similar thinking by prioritizing championship opportunities over chasing the highest possible salary.

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Celebrini’s stance reflects maturity beyond his years. He produced 115 points and 45 goals last season, setting a Sharks franchise record while leading San Jose’s turnaround. If he ultimately accepts less than market value, general manager Mike Grier would gain valuable cap space to strengthen the roster.

The extension negotiations will now become one of the league’s biggest storylines, with both San Jose’s future and the NHL’s evolving contract landscape under close watch.