The Toronto Maple Leafs' superstar Auston Matthews got ignored by the National Hockey League in the race for the Hart Trophy. The League just announced the three finalists to win the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player for his team. It was confirmed thatthe Trophy will go to either Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, or Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. Per Frank Seravalli: <q>2024 Hart Trophy finalists, as voted by @ThePHWA: Nikita Kucherov (TBL), Nathan MacKinnon (COL) and Connor McDavid (EDM).</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/status/1787860575168454949'> </a></blockquote></div> Some Leafs fans are wondering why the League didn't add Auston Matthews to the finalists. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/pat_maweenie/status/1787860657657790479'> </a></blockquote></div> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/SlimCliffy/status/1787864691772891272'> </a></blockquote></div> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/koshtorontosun/status/1787863463521292339'> </a></blockquote></div> Matthews scored 69 goals this season, and was nominated for the Selke Trophy, given to the best defensive forward. It's quite surprising to see the NHL recognize his immense defensive and offensive skills, but not put him up for the most valuable player. <q>I'm not surprised Matthews isn't on this list but I don't think any player has ever had 69 goals and a Selke nom in the same season. Could be wrong</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/bmur44/status/1787864315757777040'> </a></blockquote></div> Kucherov, MacKinnon and McDavid all had amazing seasons. They brought their game to a whole new level, and according to the NHL, Matthews wasn't on that level. The debate will likely continue over the summer, possibly fueling Matthews to reach the 70 goals mark. Do you think Auston Matthews should've been nominated over Nikita Kucherov for the Hart Trophy?