With Macklin Celebrini signed to a long-term extension, NHL fans have already started wondering what Will Smith’s next contract with the San Jose Sharks could look like.
BR OpenIce posed the same question on X, asking fans to predict what kind of deal the 21 year old forward could receive.
One fan wrote,
“Far less than $18.8mm AAV 😂 Don’t get me wrong, I love Will, but he might be $10-$12 AAV. Mack is a different tier.”
Another fan predicted:
“My soul is saying 8-9×5.”
One user compared Smith’s situation to Mitch Marner, writing:
“Will Smith become like Marner after the 18.8 m dollar contract.”
Another fan felt Smith should sign a bridge contract before committing to a long-term extension.
“Will Smith deserves a strong bridge deal – maybe 4-5 years at $8-10M AAV. Celebrini sets the bar high, but Smith still needs to prove consistency. Sharks building smart.”
Another fan looked at Smith’s value relative to Celebrini’s contract.
“Depends on what percentage of Mack’s AAV you think he is worth? 60-70% maybe. Some people are saying 5 years for 9 mil. That’s 48% of Mack’s AAV. Less than half of Mack’s cap hit? He’ll get between 11.3 – 12.2 for 5 if he gets between 60-65%.”
Another user predicted a long-term extension, writing:
“Expect something from $8.5M to $9.5M AAV range on 8 year term. He won’t command Celebrini’s franchise altering money but Mike Grier will want to lock down his 1B center for the long haul to secure their core.”
Smith became eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1 after entering the final season of his three-year entry-level contract. He currently carries a $950,000 cap hit and is set to become a restricted free agent after the 2026-27 season.
The 20-year-old is coming off a career-best NHL season, recording 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points in 69 games.
Macklin Celebrini commits to Sharks with record-breaking extension
Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension with the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, carrying an average annual value of $18.8 million. After the announcement, Macklin Celebrini thanked the organization for its support over the past two seasons.
“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today. The faith and support that Mr. Plattner, Mike Grier and the entire staff have shown me throughout the past two seasons is proof that we are building something special here. My teammates and I are ready to take another step toward the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to this city and its incredible fans. I can’t wait to get going.”
Macklin Celebrini finished the 2025-26 season with 45 goals and 70 assists for 115 points. His 46.2% share of the Sharks’ goals was the highest ever by a San Jose player and an NHL teenager.
Edited by Sonali Verma