“If Macklin Celebrini had asked for the maximum, we would have given it to him.”

This morning, Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year contract extension. Obviously, it makes sense that the Sharks weren't afraid to pay him, given just how special a talent he is. Except that Sharks GM Mike Grier spoke to the media tonight… and revealed that if Celebrini had asked the Sharks for the maximum ($20.8 million per year), the club would have given him that amount. That's why the maximum Grier refers to is $20.8 million… even though Celebrini's contract won't begin until 2027–28, by which time the cap will have risen. Gavin McKenna and Macklin Celebrini have been getting their reps in this offseason (via @NHLMedia) pic.twitter.com/9QXYSeuZdv — BarDown (@BarDown) July 29, 2026– Interesting.