Bedard Praises Celebrini's Hart Trophy Chances

Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard believes Sharks center Macklin Celebrini deserves to be in the conversation for the NHL's MVP award.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of hockey players and a puck, rendered in a vibrant color palette of blues, reds, and whites, capturing the energy and excitement of the sport.Celebrini's standout season has the Sharks in playoff contention, drawing praise from rival star Bedard.Chicago Today

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard believes San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini deserves to be in the conversation for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's most valuable player. Bedard praised Celebrini's exceptional season, which has kept the Sharks in playoff contention despite low preseason expectations. Celebrini is fourth in NHL scoring with 106 points, and the Sharks have struggled mightily without his production.

Why it matters

Celebrini's breakout season has been a major surprise, helping the Sharks remain in the playoff hunt after they finished near the bottom of the standings the past two years. His potential Hart Trophy candidacy highlights his immense value to the team and the league's rising young talent.

The details

Bedard, who has 71 points in 64 games this season, believes Celebrini is part of a 'four-man race' for the Hart Trophy along with Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov. Celebrini has scored or assisted on 45.9% of the Sharks' goals this season, and the team has a dismal 2-15-3 record when he does not record a point.

  • Celebrini has been a Hart Trophy candidate throughout the 2025-26 NHL season.
  • The NHL playoffs are set to begin later this month.

The players

Connor Bedard

A 20-year-old center for the Chicago Blackhawks who believes Macklin Celebrini deserves to be in the conversation for the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player.

Macklin Celebrini

A 22-year-old center for the San Jose Sharks who is fourth in the NHL in scoring with 106 points and has been a key reason for the Sharks' surprising playoff push this season.

Connor McDavid

The captain of the Edmonton Oilers and a leading candidate for the Hart Trophy alongside Celebrini.

Nathan MacKinnon

The star center for the Colorado Avalanche and another top contender for the Hart Trophy.

Nikita Kucherov

The star winger for the Tampa Bay Lightning who is also in the Hart Trophy conversation.

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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 NHL playoffs will begin later this month, and Macklin Celebrini's performance in the postseason could further bolster his Hart Trophy case.

The takeaway

Macklin Celebrini's breakout season has been a revelation for the San Jose Sharks, keeping them in playoff contention despite low preseason expectations. His potential Hart Trophy candidacy highlights the league's rising young talent and the immense value he provides to his team.