The Athletic Hockey Show — Is Macklin Celebrini a Hart Trophy Favorite?

Date: January 8, 2026
Hosts: Hailey Salvian, Sean Gentile
Guest: Peter Baugh (The Athletic Rangers Reporter)

Overview

This episode dives deeply into the breakout sophomore season of San Jose Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini and his case as a legitimate front-runner for the NHL’s Hart Trophy. Hosts Hailey Salvian and Sean Gentile debate where Celebrini ranks among MVP candidates, dissect the nuances of his impact versus established stars like Nathan MacKinnon, and discuss how narrative and voter fatigue influence major NHL award races. The episode also covers the injury-riddled struggles of the New York Rangers with guest Peter Baugh, and closes with a preview of the upcoming Canadian women’s Olympic hockey roster.

Main Segments & Discussion Points

1. The Macklin Celebrini Hart Trophy Debate

[04:26] – [18:11]

Celebrini's Superstar Moment

Celebrini scores a last-minute game-tying goal and assists the OT winner for the Sharks vs. Kings, moving the team into a playoff spot.
Hailey paints the context: “He is on a 12 game point streak, and I should say like he's no longer just the, like, hey, maybe this kid could be better than Connor Bedard...Like he's doing the thing in a meaningful way.” (06:44)

"Must-Watch" Appeal

Sean: “He’s must-see television for people who care about the sport right now.” (05:16)
Celebrini’s point production is extraordinary for a teenager: 67 points in 43 games (127-point pace).

Generational Talent Framing

They compare Celebrini’s trajectory to Crosby and McDavid, noting these 'Capital G guys' explode in their second seasons.
Sean: “This is what a generational player looks like...It was McDavid before him, and before that it was Crosby.” (09:12)

How High on the Hart Ballot?

Sean: “I still have him like a hair behind Nathan McKinnon. But I, I think he's two probably pretty decisively...” (10:30)
Hailey argues Celebrini’s value to San Jose far exceeds any other team’s MVP candidate, which might tip the narrative scale in his favor.

Stats and Narrative

Statistical comparison: Sharks score 1.52 more goals per 60 with Celebrini; Avs score 1.53 more with MacKinnon on.
Hailey notes the story: “There's just something about a 19 year old...willing a team that was the worst hockey team, you know, in the league two years ago before he entered...that's allowed.” (13:41)

Awards, Narrative, and Voter Fatigue

Sean: “I'm okay if there's a tie...that you go with the better story. And I. And to me, I think that's Celebrini this year.” (15:32)
They discuss how narrative, human fascination, and even voter fatigue play real roles: “We've seen it in sports year after year. Across sports, people get tired of voting for the same guys...” (16:51)
Hailey raises the “problem” of MacKinnon only having one Hart, despite elite play, showing how messy and subjective MVP debates can get.

Where It Stands (as of the episode)

Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic ranks MacKinnon ahead, but Celebrini is considered "the most intriguing name."
If the Sharks stay relevant, Celebrini’s momentum as THE reason for their success could swing votes.

Memorable Quotes:

Sean: “What Celebrini is doing is so compelling on a human level, on a historic level, on a narrative level that people are going to fill in those gaps and I don't think they're going to be wrong to.”
Hailey: “Maybe that's narrative speaker spin...like there's just something. That's allowed. 19 year old literally carrying this team into a playoff spot..."

2. New York Rangers' Injury Crisis & Trade Deadline Strategy

Guest: Peter Baugh [21:48] – [44:25]

Devastating Injury News

Rangers lose both Adam Fox (long-term) and Igor Shesterkin (IR), their franchise defenseman and goaltender.
Peter: “Igor Shesterkin...he’s one of the four best goalies in the league in goals saved above expected…This is a high-level goalie and someone...the Rangers just can’t afford to lose.” (23:42)
Concerns about how much 39-year-old Jonathan Quick can cover if Shesterkin's out for long.

Playoff Picture & Stakes

Rangers sinking in the standings, “bottom of the east in point percentage.”
Sean: “It almost doesn’t matter if it’s two weeks or two months...They don't have enough time that they don't have time to waste.” (26:20)

Trade Deadline Dilemmas

With both stars out, does New York buy, sell, or stand pat?
Peter’s advice: If the Rangers add, it should only be for players who help beyond this year (e.g., Kiefer Sherwood, but only if extended, and with caution).
Hailey: “If I'm a Rangers fan and I'm hearing and I'm watching this season and...I'm trying to get excited about a Kiefer Sherwood...I'm pretty disappointed.” (33:58)
Sean is critical of big rental prices for marginal help: “That is tough to parse logically on their end of things.” (32:31)

Longer-Term “Retool”?

Discussion of whether the Rangers could/should sell off core veterans (Panarin, Trocheck) if things spiral further.
Sean: “Trade whoever you can… outside of Fox and just Turkin, I would trade whatever is not nailed down.” (42:56)
The club's aging core and cap flexibility make a meaningful reset plausible if owner James Dolan allows it.

Adam Fox Olympic Snub & Team Dynamics

Peter confirms the snub decision came from Bill Guerin, not NYR staff.
Peter: “When I asked Adam Fox about it, he said he was like, yeah, it's, it's fine...I'm focused on winning games for the Rangers right now.” (37:38)
The segment highlights that such disappointments could require extra management attention, even if public-facing "everything's fine."

3. Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Roster Preview

[47:34] – [57:56]

Roster Consistency vs. Change

Sean: “I feel like the [Canada women’s] roster has been pretty static....Hasn’t been a ton of change.” (48:56)
Hailey agrees the core will return, but expects some “edges” turnover, notably first Olympic appearances for Sophie Jaques and Darryl Watts.

Bright Spots & New Faces

Sophie Jaques is praised as a top offensive defender who “should be on this team.”
Daryl Watts’ PWHL ascendance: “Only Marie-Philip Poulin has more points than Daryl Watts in the PWHL since the league started. Yeah. Crazy.” (53:13)
Discussion of whether Canada has its “KK Harvey” type (US young star); Chloe Primerano is identified as the next hope, though still developing.

Youth, Depth, and Current Gaps

Hailey: “When people talk about, like, Canada, we need youth or we need new faces, like, we do have them. They just don't look like Caroline Harvey and Abby Murphy,” highlighting how Canada’s younger players haven’t yet matched their counterparts’ impact.

Injury Notes and Roster Decisions

Sarah Nurse’s health questioned, but Hailey adamantly supports her inclusion, citing her history of “coming in and setting an Olympic record in scoring” post-injury.

Memorable Quotes:

Hailey: “Canada’s going to inject some young players, new faces. Darrell Watts will certainly be one of them...But I'm still a little torn on, like, do you bring Natalie Spooner? What's going on with Sarah Nurse? She's injured. She hasn't played. To me, I'm bringing Sarah Nurse to the Olympics...” (56:05)
Sean: “I zoned out and bought a Caroline Harvey jersey...” (in jest at the overwhelming info dump) (57:23)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Sean, on Celebrini as appointment viewing: “Macklin Celebrini’s changing bedtimes. He’s must-see television for people who care about the sport right now.” (05:16)
Hailey, on why this breakout is special: “He didn’t come into the league with the Crosby, McDavid juice...so there's something almost more rewarding and, like, fun to watch Celebrini do it.” (08:34)
On Hart Trophy narratives: “I'm okay if there's a tie...that you go with the better story. And...I think that's Celebrini this year.” (15:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[04:26] – Sharks-Kings recap & Celebrini’s highlight night
[06:44] – Celebrini’s 12-game point streak and Art Ross pace
[09:12] – Generational talent comparison (Crosby, McDavid, Celebrini)
[10:40] – MVP race: Celebrini vs. MacKinnon vs. McDavid
[13:41] – Value-to-team, stats, and the power of narrative in Hart voting
[15:32] — Discussion of narrative, voting psychology, and fatigue
[21:48] — NY Rangers injury segment begins, with Peter Baugh
[23:42] — Impact of Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox injuries
[28:59] — Trade deadline philosophy from a Rangers perspective
[33:58] — Emotional reality for fans facing a retool
[36:44] — Adam Fox’s Olympic snub, team management dynamics
[47:34] – Canadian women’s Olympic roster preview/discussion begins
[53:13] – Daryl Watts’ PWHL emergence
[57:05] – Final thoughts on Canadian roster and youth pipeline

Tone & Language

The show is energetic, conversational, and sharp, blending analysis with humor and the hosts’ relatable hockey-nerd enthusiasm.
Frequent inside jokes (“generational air quotes fatigue”) and candid banter.
Analysis is stats-driven, yet embraces the power of storylines and emotion—reflecting both The Athletic’s editorial style and the natural tendencies of sports discussions.

Summary

This episode offers a compelling, accessible deep dive into a defining moment of the 2025–26 NHL season: Macklin Celebrini’s explosive second year, and whether his historic performance makes him the league’s Most Valuable Player. Through an engaging blend of advanced analytics, narrative-driven debate, and cultural commentary on hockey’s award traditions, the episode showcases why both the eye test and the numbers matter. Listeners are also treated to an insider’s look at the Rangers’ high-stakes injury crisis just as the playoff push nears, and a preview of the always-strong Canadian women’s Olympic roster and its infusion of emerging talent. Recommended listening for fans wanting both smart dissection and the heartbeat of hockey’s biggest current stories.

The Athletic Hockey Show — Is Macklin Celebrini a Hart Trophy Favorite?

Date: January 8, 2026
Hosts: Hailey Salvian, Sean Gentile
Guest: Peter Baugh (The Athletic Rangers Reporter)

Overview

Main Segments & Discussion Points

1. The Macklin Celebrini Hart Trophy Debate

[04:26] – [18:11]

Celebrini's Superstar Moment

Celebrini scores a last-minute game-tying goal and assists the OT winner for the Sharks vs. Kings, moving the team into a playoff spot.
Hailey paints the context: “He is on a 12 game point streak, and I should say like he's no longer just the, like, hey, maybe this kid could be better than Connor Bedard...Like he's doing the thing in a meaningful way.” (06:44)

"Must-Watch" Appeal

Sean: “He’s must-see television for people who care about the sport right now.” (05:16)
Celebrini’s point production is extraordinary for a teenager: 67 points in 43 games (127-point pace).

Generational Talent Framing

They compare Celebrini’s trajectory to Crosby and McDavid, noting these 'Capital G guys' explode in their second seasons.
Sean: “This is what a generational player looks like...It was McDavid before him, and before that it was Crosby.” (09:12)

How High on the Hart Ballot?

Sean: “I still have him like a hair behind Nathan McKinnon. But I, I think he's two probably pretty decisively...” (10:30)
Hailey argues Celebrini’s value to San Jose far exceeds any other team’s MVP candidate, which might tip the narrative scale in his favor.

Stats and Narrative

Statistical comparison: Sharks score 1.52 more goals per 60 with Celebrini; Avs score 1.53 more with MacKinnon on.
Hailey notes the story: “There's just something about a 19 year old...willing a team that was the worst hockey team, you know, in the league two years ago before he entered...that's allowed.” (13:41)

Awards, Narrative, and Voter Fatigue

Sean: “I'm okay if there's a tie...that you go with the better story. And I. And to me, I think that's Celebrini this year.” (15:32)
They discuss how narrative, human fascination, and even voter fatigue play real roles: “We've seen it in sports year after year. Across sports, people get tired of voting for the same guys...” (16:51)
Hailey raises the “problem” of MacKinnon only having one Hart, despite elite play, showing how messy and subjective MVP debates can get.

Where It Stands (as of the episode)

Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic ranks MacKinnon ahead, but Celebrini is considered "the most intriguing name."
If the Sharks stay relevant, Celebrini’s momentum as THE reason for their success could swing votes.

Memorable Quotes:

Sean: “What Celebrini is doing is so compelling on a human level, on a historic level, on a narrative level that people are going to fill in those gaps and I don't think they're going to be wrong to.”
Hailey: “Maybe that's narrative speaker spin...like there's just something. That's allowed. 19 year old literally carrying this team into a playoff spot..."

2. New York Rangers' Injury Crisis & Trade Deadline Strategy

Guest: Peter Baugh [21:48] – [44:25]

Devastating Injury News

Rangers lose both Adam Fox (long-term) and Igor Shesterkin (IR), their franchise defenseman and goaltender.
Peter: “Igor Shesterkin...he’s one of the four best goalies in the league in goals saved above expected…This is a high-level goalie and someone...the Rangers just can’t afford to lose.” (23:42)
Concerns about how much 39-year-old Jonathan Quick can cover if Shesterkin's out for long.

Playoff Picture & Stakes

Rangers sinking in the standings, “bottom of the east in point percentage.”
Sean: “It almost doesn’t matter if it’s two weeks or two months...They don't have enough time that they don't have time to waste.” (26:20)

Trade Deadline Dilemmas

With both stars out, does New York buy, sell, or stand pat?
Peter’s advice: If the Rangers add, it should only be for players who help beyond this year (e.g., Kiefer Sherwood, but only if extended, and with caution).
Hailey: “If I'm a Rangers fan and I'm hearing and I'm watching this season and...I'm trying to get excited about a Kiefer Sherwood...I'm pretty disappointed.” (33:58)
Sean is critical of big rental prices for marginal help: “That is tough to parse logically on their end of things.” (32:31)

Longer-Term “Retool”?

Discussion of whether the Rangers could/should sell off core veterans (Panarin, Trocheck) if things spiral further.
Sean: “Trade whoever you can… outside of Fox and just Turkin, I would trade whatever is not nailed down.” (42:56)
The club's aging core and cap flexibility make a meaningful reset plausible if owner James Dolan allows it.

Adam Fox Olympic Snub & Team Dynamics

Peter confirms the snub decision came from Bill Guerin, not NYR staff.
Peter: “When I asked Adam Fox about it, he said he was like, yeah, it's, it's fine...I'm focused on winning games for the Rangers right now.” (37:38)
The segment highlights that such disappointments could require extra management attention, even if public-facing "everything's fine."

3. Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Roster Preview

[47:34] – [57:56]

Roster Consistency vs. Change

Sean: “I feel like the [Canada women’s] roster has been pretty static....Hasn’t been a ton of change.” (48:56)
Hailey agrees the core will return, but expects some “edges” turnover, notably first Olympic appearances for Sophie Jaques and Darryl Watts.

Bright Spots & New Faces

Sophie Jaques is praised as a top offensive defender who “should be on this team.”
Daryl Watts’ PWHL ascendance: “Only Marie-Philip Poulin has more points than Daryl Watts in the PWHL since the league started. Yeah. Crazy.” (53:13)
Discussion of whether Canada has its “KK Harvey” type (US young star); Chloe Primerano is identified as the next hope, though still developing.

Youth, Depth, and Current Gaps

Hailey: “When people talk about, like, Canada, we need youth or we need new faces, like, we do have them. They just don't look like Caroline Harvey and Abby Murphy,” highlighting how Canada’s younger players haven’t yet matched their counterparts’ impact.

Injury Notes and Roster Decisions

Sarah Nurse’s health questioned, but Hailey adamantly supports her inclusion, citing her history of “coming in and setting an Olympic record in scoring” post-injury.

Memorable Quotes:

Hailey: “Canada’s going to inject some young players, new faces. Darrell Watts will certainly be one of them...But I'm still a little torn on, like, do you bring Natalie Spooner? What's going on with Sarah Nurse? She's injured. She hasn't played. To me, I'm bringing Sarah Nurse to the Olympics...” (56:05)
Sean: “I zoned out and bought a Caroline Harvey jersey...” (in jest at the overwhelming info dump) (57:23)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Sean, on Celebrini as appointment viewing: “Macklin Celebrini’s changing bedtimes. He’s must-see television for people who care about the sport right now.” (05:16)
Hailey, on why this breakout is special: “He didn’t come into the league with the Crosby, McDavid juice...so there's something almost more rewarding and, like, fun to watch Celebrini do it.” (08:34)
On Hart Trophy narratives: “I'm okay if there's a tie...that you go with the better story. And...I think that's Celebrini this year.” (15:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[04:26] – Sharks-Kings recap & Celebrini’s highlight night
[06:44] – Celebrini’s 12-game point streak and Art Ross pace
[09:12] – Generational talent comparison (Crosby, McDavid, Celebrini)
[10:40] – MVP race: Celebrini vs. MacKinnon vs. McDavid
[13:41] – Value-to-team, stats, and the power of narrative in Hart voting
[15:32] — Discussion of narrative, voting psychology, and fatigue
[21:48] — NY Rangers injury segment begins, with Peter Baugh
[23:42] — Impact of Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox injuries
[28:59] — Trade deadline philosophy from a Rangers perspective
[33:58] — Emotional reality for fans facing a retool
[36:44] — Adam Fox’s Olympic snub, team management dynamics
[47:34] – Canadian women’s Olympic roster preview/discussion begins
[53:13] – Daryl Watts’ PWHL emergence
[57:05] – Final thoughts on Canadian roster and youth pipeline

Tone & Language

The show is energetic, conversational, and sharp, blending analysis with humor and the hosts’ relatable hockey-nerd enthusiasm.
Frequent inside jokes (“generational air quotes fatigue”) and candid banter.
Analysis is stats-driven, yet embraces the power of storylines and emotion—reflecting both The Athletic’s editorial style and the natural tendencies of sports discussions.

Is Macklin Celebrini a Hart Trophy favorite?

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Summary

The Athletic Hockey Show — Is Macklin Celebrini a Hart Trophy Favorite?

Overview

Main Segments & Discussion Points

1. The Macklin Celebrini Hart Trophy Debate

Celebrini's Superstar Moment

"Must-Watch" Appeal

Generational Talent Framing

How High on the Hart Ballot?

Stats and Narrative

Awards, Narrative, and Voter Fatigue

Where It Stands (as of the episode)

2. New York Rangers' Injury Crisis & Trade Deadline Strategy

Devastating Injury News

Playoff Picture & Stakes

Trade Deadline Dilemmas

Longer-Term “Retool”?

Adam Fox Olympic Snub & Team Dynamics

3. Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Roster Preview

Roster Consistency vs. Change

Bright Spots & New Faces

Youth, Depth, and Current Gaps

Injury Notes and Roster Decisions

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Language

Summary

Summary

The Athletic Hockey Show — Is Macklin Celebrini a Hart Trophy Favorite?

Overview

Main Segments & Discussion Points

1. The Macklin Celebrini Hart Trophy Debate

Celebrini's Superstar Moment

"Must-Watch" Appeal

Generational Talent Framing

How High on the Hart Ballot?

Stats and Narrative

Awards, Narrative, and Voter Fatigue

Where It Stands (as of the episode)

2. New York Rangers' Injury Crisis & Trade Deadline Strategy

Devastating Injury News

Playoff Picture & Stakes

Trade Deadline Dilemmas

Longer-Term “Retool”?

Adam Fox Olympic Snub & Team Dynamics

3. Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Roster Preview

Roster Consistency vs. Change

Bright Spots & New Faces

Youth, Depth, and Current Gaps

Injury Notes and Roster Decisions

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Language

Summary