Paul Bissonnette labels Macklin Celebrini ‘Sidney Crosby 2.0’ after contract extension

Paul Bissonnette told reporters after the Sharks’ announcement that Macklin Celebrini is “Sidney Crosby 2.0,” a nickname that captures the rookie’s meteoric rise. The San Jose Sharks locked up the 21‑year‑old forward to an 8‑year, $150.4‑million deal, giving him an average annual value of $18.8 million that eclipses the previous NHL record set by Connor McDavid’s $18.6 million AAV. Celebrini’s new contract makes him the highest‑paid player in Sharks history and the most expensive rookie in the league’s history.

Celebrini’s performance in his first two seasons earned the comparison. He finished his rookie year with 22 goals and 43 points in 78 games, a pace that surprised many analysts who had expected him to develop more slowly. He followed that with a career‑best 35 goals and 66 points in 80 games last season, including a 10‑point stretch over a 14‑game span. The Sharks, who have struggled to find a consistent top line in recent years, saw in Celebrini a player who can anchor their offense, combine skill with grit, and play the long‑term. The AAV record reflects the league’s growing willingness to pay premium salaries to young talent, a trend that has seen teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights offer multi‑year, multi‑million contracts to their top prospects.

The deal also signals a strategic shift for San Jose. By investing heavily in Celebrini, the Sharks are betting that he will develop into a franchise cornerstone, similar to how the Detroit Red Wings built around a young core in the 2010s. The contract includes a $4.5 million signing bonus and a $9 million option for a 9th year, giving the Sharks flexibility to keep him through the 2033‑34 season. Analysts note that the Sharks’ salary cap space will tighten, but the team’s front office believes the upside outweighs the risk. Celebrini’s agent, who has represented other high‑profile players, said the player is “ready to take the next step” and that the contract reflects his “full potential.”

Looking ahead, the Sharks will integrate Celebrini into a more balanced lineup, pairing him with veteran forwards and new acquisitions to create a potent offensive unit. The contract’s high AAV will also set a new benchmark for rookie contracts, potentially influencing future negotiations across the league. As the Sharks prepare for the 2026‑27 season, fans and analysts alike will watch whether Celebrini can live up to the “Sidney Crosby 2.0” moniker and lead San Jose to its first Stanley Cup in decades.