The NHL’s latest big contract signing has Vancouver Canucks fans excited.
Earlier today, the San Jose Sharks announced that star forward and BC-local Macklin Celebrini has signed a five-year contract extension beginning during the 2027–28 season. The contract expires after the 2031–32 season, during which Celebrini will become an unrestricted free-agent at the age of 26.
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It’s safe to say that Canucks fans are very happy about the prospect of a potential Celebrini free-agency signing.
“Walked himself to UFA basically,” @LaheyHNIC wrote on X. “Incredible day for the Canucks.”
Celebrini’s contract is the second five-year extension signed by a player from North Vancouver, as Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard also inked a new contract in mid-July that will walk him to UFA status in 2031.
With both North Vancouver products set to become UFAs in the future, Canucks fans have already begun celebrating an outcome in which both Bedard and Celebrini return home to play for the Canucks.
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“CELEBRINI AND BEDARD ONLY SIGNED FOR 5 YEARS, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS !!!” @Springer4MVP said on X.
“This has to be the best off-season for the Canucks in the past decade. 2 hometown boys signing contracts that lineup perfectly with the Canucks rebuild. Couldn’t ask for anything else,” @Taj1944 commented. “Now they have to stay patient for 4-5 years and keep loading up with young talent.”
“Bedard and Celebrini are both walking themselves to be 25 and 26 year old UFAs,” @Naughty4Novotny added. “They both want to come home and play for their favourite hockey team as soon as possible 🤩.”
“#Canucks have 5 years to put together a decent roster AND get a practice facility project built. Don’t let that time go to waste ⏳,” @LachInTheCrease wrote.
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Only time will tell whether fans’ premature celebrations are a sign of something true to come along. For now, it appears the allure of two potential homecomings will be enough to keep Vancouver’s fanbase excited.
Apr 6, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) and Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) face off during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
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