San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier said Wednesday that the massive offer sheet Leo Carlsson signed this offseason played a part in Macklin Celebrini's historic extension.
"The offer sheet obviously changed things a little bit," Grier told reporters.
The Sharks signed Celebrini to a five-year, $94-million extension Wednesday. His $18.8-million average annual value stands to be the highest in NHL history when his new contract begins in 2027-28. Carlsson, of the Anaheim Ducks, will be the league's highest-paid player in 2026-27 with an $18-million AAV. The Philadelphia Flyers signed him to a five-year, $90-million offer sheet earlier in July before the Ducks matched it.
Despite Celebrini's record-breaking extension, Grier appreciates that he took less than what he could've.
"On our side with Macklin, we were preparing for everything," Grier said. "With what he's done in his first couple years in the NHL and in the Olympics and the World Championship and everything, he would've had every right to ask for the max 20%. We're very thankful 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."
A player can sign for a maximum 20% of the cap ceiling. That equates to $20.8 million for the 2026-27 cap or $22.7 million for the projected 2027-28 cap.
Grier said he believes team owner Hasso Plattner would've given Celebrini the maximum deal if needed.
"I don't think Hasso would've hesitated to give him that if that's what he asked for," Grier said.
Celebrini finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting and was a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award after erupting for 115 points in 82 games during his age-19 campaign in 2025-26.
