Macklin Celebrini isn't just the next big thing in hockey—he's already arrived. The 19-year-old San Jose Sharks phenom is drawing comparisons to legends like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, and now he's about to get a contract to match.

Coming off a jaw-dropping sophomore season, Celebrini shattered the Sharks' franchise record for single-season points with 115. His performance earned him a spot as a Ted Lindsay Award finalist (the NHLPA's pick for most outstanding player) and he's expected to finish top-five in Hart Trophy voting for league MVP. Not bad for a teenager still on his entry-level deal.

But numbers only tell part of the story. Celebrini single-handedly transformed a Sharks team that was the NHL's worst in 2024-25 into a playoff contender that stayed in the hunt until the final week of this season—a staggering 34-point improvement in the standings. It's an almost unprecedented leap for a sophomore teenage player.

Now, the clock is ticking. On July 1, Celebrini becomes eligible to sign a massive contract extension. The question on every Sharks fan's mind: what will it look like?

History offers some clues. Crosby and McDavid's second contracts set the bar for generational talent extensions, and those deals—along with a handful of others—should serve as benchmarks for Celebrini's camp. We also spoke with two NHL player agents (neither representing Celebrini) to get their take on what's coming.

One thing is certain: the Sharks are about to make a long-term commitment to their franchise cornerstone. And if his first two seasons are any indication, it's going to be worth every penny.