Macklin Celebrini very well could have pursued the maximum salary on his new deal.
Instead, the 20-year-old star centre opted to go a more team-friendly route when he inked a five-year, $94 million contract extension with the San Jose Sharks this off-season.
Set to kick in for the 2027-28 season, Celebrini's upcoming contract carries an average annual value of $18.8 million, the highest in NHL history.
The maximum salary a player can sign for in the NHL is 20 per cent of the team cap, currently $20.8 million per season.
As Celebrini told NHL.com, it was important to him to sign for less so that the Sharks still have the means necessary to continue improving their roster.
"That was at the front of my mind throughout the whole negotiation,” Celebrini said Thursday.
“I want to make sure that with where the (NHL salary) cap was going, that the number made sense for the team first and foremost. Making sure that everyone can get paid and that we're in a good spot to build the way we want to build, I felt like we kind of landed on that number.
"Keeping a little bit more flexibility for everyone, and I mean it's not really a bad thing. I'm committed to this team and this organization."
Celebrini, a native of North Vancouver, B.C., recorded 115 points (45 goals and 70 assists) in 82 games last season, his second in the NHL.
This followed the 63 points (25 goals and 38 assists) he put up in 70 games as a rookie.
The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini also was asked how he would feel if he was named captain of the Sharks.
"I think that is a decision for (general manager) Mike Grier," Celebrini said.
"I'm comfortable with myself and how I lead. I don't think it would really change anything in the way I approach every day and do stuff."
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