Macklin Celebrini omission ‘highway robbery’ after Hart Trophy finalists reveal

The frustration is understandable.

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Celebrini was not simply piling up points on a loaded contender. He drove nearly every aspect of San Jose’s offense, contributing to 46.2 percent of the Sharks’ goals this season, second only to McDavid league-wide. He also broke Joe Thornton’s franchise single-season scoring record before turning 20.

The reason behind Macklin Celebrini’s Hart Trophy snub

The Hart Trophy has always blurred the line between “best player” and “most valuable player.” That distinction likely worked against Celebrini.

McDavid won his sixth Art Ross Trophy with 138 points. Kucherov finished with 130 while creating a massive scoring gap within Tampa Bay’s lineup. MacKinnon (127 points) scored 53 goals and led the NHL in even-strength production while pushing the Colorado Avalanche to another elite regular season.

Those players produced monster numbers on playoff teams with championship expectations.

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Celebrini’s challenge was perception. San Jose improved dramatically, winning 39 games and missing the postseason by just four points, but the Sharks still finished outside the playoff picture. Historically, Hart voters rarely reward players whose teams miss the playoffs unless the season is completely undeniable.

There is also the reality of competition. This season featured one of the deepest MVP races in recent memory.

Yet the fans have acknowledged the impact Celebrini had on a rebuilding Sharks team that accelerated its timeline faster than almost anyone expected. He is already being judged against McDavid, MacKinnon, and Kucherov at age 19.