Paul Bissonnette calls Macklin Celebrini ‘Sidney Crosby 2.0’ after Sharks extension

Paul Bissonnette has said that the San Jose Sharks secured more than a franchise player when they signed Macklin Celebrini to a record-setting extension. Speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, the former NHL forward compared the 20-year-old center to one of hockey’s greatest players after his historic new deal.

Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension on July 29, carrying an NHL-record $18.8 million average annual value. The contract begins in 2027-28 after the final season of his entry-level deal. It surpassed Leo Carlsson‘s $18 million AAV and Connor Bedard‘s $15 million extension signed earlier this summer.

Bissonnette said Carlsson’s offer sheet helped establish the market but did not believe money alone drove San Jose‘s decision.

“I would say, ‘Thank you, Leo Carlsson offer sheet,’ because that kind of set around where he was going to get,” Bissonnette said. “But I don’t really think it mattered.”

He added, “San Jose is one of those markets where it’s like, ‘Okay, we need to keep a guy like this.'”
‘s rise has changed San Jose’s timeline

San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) waits for play to resume against the St. Louis Blues in the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Bissonnette reserved his strongest praise for Celebrini’s complete game, comparing him directly to Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.

“He broke the all-time record for most points in a season last year in his second year in the NHL. I mean, he’s Sidney Crosby 2.0,” Bissonnette said. “He’s the perfect player.”

Celebrini earned those comparisons after producing 115 points in 82 games, breaking Joe Thornton‘s franchise record. He finished fourth in NHL scoring and fourth in Hart Trophy voting while leading Canada in goals during its Olympic silver-medal run.

Bissonnette continued, “He does his own dirty work. You see these clips where he’s out there just busting his a** for a minute straight, stripping guys, getting in on the forecheck, backchecking, and then he can get it done offensively.”

The extension reflects San Jose’s confidence in its rebuilding plan. General manager Mike Grier has added veterans including Darnell Nurse, Jacob Trouba, and Mason Marchment to support a young core featuring Will Smith, Michael Misa, and Ivar Stenberg.

If that group develops together, Celebrini’s contract could become the foundation of the Sharks’ return to Stanley Cup contention rather than simply a record-breaking payday.