Macklin Celebrini Has Long Future In Mind With Sharks

Contract extensions for pending RFAs just changed dramatically. But Macklin Celebrini started Friday by saying he sees a long future with the San Jose Sharks.

The Sharks franchise superstar is in Toronto at a soccer mini camp and spoke to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox in a one-on-one. Fox spoke to Celebrini about many topics. From the World Cup to the Sharks’ off-season moves, and yes, a contract extension.

There hasn’t been any rush to get a deal done from either side, as GM Mike Grier told reporters that getting through the early part of free agency was agreed upon. Other RFAs and extension-eligible players, Collin Graf and Will Smith, felt that understanding.

Celebrini didn’t differ from that, telling Fox that no progress has been made on an extension. But Fox pressed more, asking him about a long-term commitment.

“Yeah, yeah. Looking at what we have and what we’re building, I think we should all be excited for things to come,” Celebrini said.

Anytime the San Jose Sharks’ No. 1 center has been asked about committing long-term, he hasn’t shied away. There is a clear desire to stay in Teal for a long time, and that’ll get done whenever it gets done.

“I’m just open to every possibility. There’s nothing really that goes into it,” Celebrini said during his exit interview. “It goes hand in hand with me. I want to commit to this team and being here, and I love it here. I’m just open to whatever happens.

Celebrini told Fox about his excitement for the free-agent moves the team made and for playing alongside 2026 NHL Draft No. 2 pick Ivar Stenberg. Stenberg signed his ELC on Thursday.

“Just the way he skates and all the skills he possesses. Just how calm and good he is with the puck,” Celebrini said. “He’s also a competitor, which I love. I think it’s going to be great for us, just the way he drives the game and wants to win.”

Regarding the changed roster, Celebrini said he’s still not used to the amount of turnover.

“All those additions will help us, and our draft was great. You hear that from everyone. We got some great additions on D, and a lot of great young players that maybe won’t come in next year, but down the road will help us big time. In free agency, those additions will help us this year. I was texting a couple of guys on our team: it’s weird, just because it’s my first couple years in the NHL, and I’m not really used to how much turnover there is on a team,” Celebrini said.

“So, it’s really tough to lose guys like (William) Eklund and (Ryan) Reaves and (Vincent) Desharnais and (Mario) Ferraro, all those guys that left. Because you build that relationship and that friendship with them, and it’s tough to see them go. It’s crazy that we’re gonna have a completely different team next year. But it’s also exciting, just the steps that we’re taking and how we’re all looking forward to the future.”

Celebrini’s next contract could be signed at any time this summer, but now questions surround how expensive it could be. Leo Carlsson changed a lot.