Auston Matthews gets disrespected by Gary Bettman and the NHL

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Tyler Ball
May 7, 2024 (1:52 PM)

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Today an announcement was made by Gary Bettman and the NHL confirming the finalists for the Hart Trophy. The announcement to the surprise of many did not include star Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews as a finalist.

The NHL has been rolling out their awards finalists for the last several days. Today the Hart Trophy finalists were announced. On the ballot this season are Nikita Kucherov, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid

2024 Hart Trophy finalists, as voted by @ThePHWA: Nikita Kucherov (TBL), Nathan MacKinnon (COL) and Connor McDavid (EDM).

The list that has been announced has been met with a lot of controversy. Much of the discussion is centered around Auston Matthews and Artemi Panarin not receiving nominations.

These three all had Hart-worthy campaigns, but it's interesting to see Auston Matthews and his 69 goals + Selke nomination NOT make the finalist list.

Knew this was happening. All 3 are deserving and I feel like in most years, Panarin would've been a finalist, but I was watching a clip with Mike Rupp and Mike Kelly talking about their MVP votes and they're right, so many had great seasons. Auston Matthews had a case too. #NYR

Auston Matthews does still have one opportunity to receive a most valuable player award. This would come by way of the Ted Lindsay Award which is the MVP voted on by players currently in the NHL.

I'll be curious to see where Auston Matthews ends up on the Ted Lindsay vote (done by the players). I spoke with a few of the #NHLJets who had him No. 1.

They all said the same thing�scoring 69 goals in this era of the league is insane.

Either way, Auston Matthews' 69-goal feat will go down as one of the greatest goal-scoring seasons in the history of the NHL. Throughout his career Auston Matthews will continue to rack up plenty of awards it would truly be a shame though if he does not get proper recognition for his historic 2023-24 season.