Celebrini’s Deal Shakes NHL Salary Caps | New York Islanders News

Macklin Celebrini just shattered NHL history with a nine-year, $94 million contract—averaging $18.8 million annually—with the San Jose Sharks, setting a new benchmark for elite young talent. His 115-point rookie season made him the highest-paid first-overall pick ever, forcing teams like the New York Islanders to reckon with their own superstar, Matthew Schaefer. Schaefer, who won the Calder Trophy unanimously with 23 goals and 59 points as a rookie, is now facing a looming extension deadline in 2027—and with the cap rising and defensemen commanding top dollar, the Islanders know Schaefer’s contract could become one of the most expensive in franchise history. The bar is set, and the cost of keeping their own superstar just got a whole lot higher. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/60d33bb8eeb39ee2