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Bedard Praises Celebrini's Hart Trophy Chances
Blackhawks star believes Sharks center deserves consideration for NHL's top individual award.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:04pm
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Celebrini's standout season has kept the Sharks in playoff contention, drawing praise from rival stars like Bedard.Chicago TodayChicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard believes Sharks center Macklin Celebrini deserves to be in the conversation for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player. Bedard praised Celebrini's standout season, which has kept the Sharks in playoff contention despite low preseason expectations.
Why it matters
Celebrini's breakout campaign has been a major factor in the Sharks' surprising playoff push this season. If the Sharks make the postseason, Celebrini could garner serious consideration for the Hart Trophy, one of the NHL's most prestigious individual awards.
The details
Bedard said Celebrini is part of a "four-man race" for the Hart Trophy, along with Edmonton's Connor McDavid, Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon, and Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov. Celebrini has scored or assisted on nearly half of the Sharks' goals this season, and the team has struggled mightily when he hasn't recorded a point.
- Bedard made his comments on Monday before the Blackhawks faced the Sharks at SAP Center.
- The Sharks entered Monday in 10th place in the Western Conference, two points behind the Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings for the final wild card spot.
The players
Connor Bedard
A center for the Chicago Blackhawks who believes Macklin Celebrini deserves to be in the conversation for the Hart Trophy.
Macklin Celebrini
The Sharks' star center who is having a breakout season and is considered a potential Hart Trophy candidate.
Connor McDavid
The Edmonton Oilers captain and one of the other leading candidates for the Hart Trophy.
Nathan MacKinnon
The Colorado Avalanche center and another top contender for the Hart Trophy.
Nikita Kucherov
The Tampa Bay Lightning winger who is also in the Hart Trophy discussion.
What they’re saying
“I think it's kind of a four-man race right now. But if (the Sharks) can get in the playoffs with the expectations of them going into the year, I think he's got a great shot.”
— Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks center
“Even just being in the conversation for him is exciting.”
— Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks center
“It's been incredible. Obviously, he's done things that are so rare in this league, and he's just such an amazing player. I think the whole world gets to see what he's able to do, and that's just so good for hockey.”
— Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks center
“Super happy for him that he's having the success he's having, and it's just fun to see someone so young come in and do what he does. He's just a special, special player.”
— Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks center
What’s next
The Sharks have a critical stretch of games coming up, including matchups against the Oilers, Ducks, and Canucks, as they try to secure a playoff spot. Celebrini's performance in those games could further bolster his Hart Trophy candidacy.
The takeaway
Celebrini's breakout season has been a revelation for the Sharks and the NHL as a whole. Even rival stars like Bedard recognize Celebrini's exceptional talent and value to his team, making him a legitimate Hart Trophy contender if the Sharks can clinch a playoff berth.
