Macklin Celebrini just delivered one of the most remarkable seasons ever seen from a 19-year-old in the NHL. But when the Hart Trophy finalists were announced, his name was notably absent.

That's right—the San Jose Sharks rookie sensation, who put up numbers that rival some of the greatest young players in league history, didn't crack the top three for the award that honors the league's most valuable player. The finalists are Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov—all deserving names, but Celebrini's exclusion still raises eyebrows.

Let's break down why this feels like a tough call. Celebrini finished the season with 115 points, the third-most ever for a 19-year-old in the NHL. Only Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby have done better at that age. That's elite company, and it speaks volumes about the kind of talent the Sharks have in their pipeline.

What makes his case even more compelling is the context around him. The second-highest scorer on the Sharks? Will Smith, with 59 points. Celebrini nearly doubled that total. In terms of sheer value to his team, it's hard to argue anyone meant more to their squad's offense.

So why isn't he a finalist? The most likely reason is that the Sharks didn't make the playoffs, and some voters hold that against MVP candidates. It's an old-school mindset, but it still carries weight. Another possibility is that voters figured Celebrini will have plenty more chances to win this award in the future—a logic that feels a bit short-sighted when the numbers are this historic.

Regardless of the snub, Celebrini's season was special. He proved he can carry an offense at an age when most players are still finding their footing. For Sharks fans and hockey fans alike, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible career.