Macklin Celebrini poised to become NHL's highest paid player in 2027-28
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 3:29 AM
Last updated Aug 4, 2026
Macklin Celebrini, a forward for the San Jose Sharks, is set to become the NHL's highest paid player at the start of the 2027-28 season with a projected cap hit of $18.8 million. As he sits on an entry-level contract for another year, speculation surrounds whether other players can surpass his impending salary before he takes the ice. Nikita Kucherov, Jason Robertson, Bowen Byram, Cale Makar, and Quinn Hughes are highlighted as potential challengers based on their upcoming contracts and market value. The dynamics could shift significantly depending on next summer's free agency.
- •Celebrini will start his new contract in the 2027-28 season.
- •Kucherov could demand over $20 million, complicating his situation in Tampa.
- •Robertson is set for unrestricted free agency, potentially commanding a high cap hit.
- •Makar's contract status remains uncertain with limited cap space in Colorado.
- •Hughes could trigger a bidding war if he hits the market next summer.
- 3:29 AMYahoo Sports — Will Macklin Celebrini Ever Take the Ice as the NHL's Highest Paid Player?
"As things currently stand, San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini is set to become the NHL's highest paid player at the beginning of the 2027-28 season. Right now though, he has another season remaining on his entry-level contract. With his new deal being 12 months away from beginning, is there someone who can take his new crown before he gets a chance to wear it?
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