San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier revealed the thought process behind Macklin Celebrini's contract on July 29. 

Grier explained that Celebrini could have asked for even more money and that he would’ve given it. Despite having a chance like that, Celebrini still chose a lower annual value to help the team as they move forward.

"We're very thankful that he was willing to give us some flexibility and take a little bit less and leave some money on the table to help us continue to grow our team," Grier said in the media availability on July 29 as posted by the Sharks' YouTube Channel.

This confession during the media presser came after Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension that day. This makes him the highest-paid player in the NHL. The deal carries an average annual value of $18.8 million, which easily tops the previous record held by Leo Carlsson, and runs through the 2031-32 season.

Under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, a player can earn up to 20 percent of the salary cap. That number becomes $20.8 million per year for the 2026-27 season.

The Sharks want cap space to sign other core players, like Will Smith and Collin Graf. Because of that, Celebrini's thought to leave some space for the other players shows his true value. Grier also talked about how the negotiations went with Celebrini.

"He showed his faith and his commitment to the organization, and his wanting to be here and be successful here,” he said.

He also talked about how Leo Carlsson's offer sheet slightly shifted the market. Even then, Celebrini stuck with his original approach when he was headed towards the negotiation. 

Meanwhile, Celebrini, too, addressed his mindset before signing the contract.

Why Celebrini was willing to take less

Celebrini's willingness to adjust to the deal did not come out of nowhere. Just a few weeks before signing, he told reporters he would "100%" consider taking market value below to help the team build a better roster.

"That's why all of us play. We want to win. We're competitive, and we want to win," Celebrini told ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.

He talked about taking inspiration from Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon as players who took similar discounts for their teams.

Celebrini’s mindset on putting the team "in the best spot possible" lines up directly with what Grier later talked about at the extension announcement. He was never in a rush to finish the deal but was willing to wait for it.

"I think it's just whenever it makes sense for both sides," Celebrini said weeks before signing.

That patience gave both sides enough time to reach an agreement that was fair for both parties going forward.

What do you think about the Sharks locking in on Celebrini long-term? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar