Macklin Celebrini in the center of controversy as the NHL imposes two fines
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Hunter Bowman
Mar 8, 2026 (3:22 PM)
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Photo credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
The NHL Department of Player Safety issued a wave of fines today, but the hockey world is buzzing over a non-call involving San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini and Islanders star Mathew Barzal.
While the league came down hard on other infractions from Saturday night, Barzal escaped any financial or supplemental discipline for a high hit that left Celebrini shaken up late in the third period.
Fans and analysts are scratching their heads at the lack of consistency. Earlier today, the league confirmed a $2,500 fine for Bo Horvat for unsportsmanlike conduct after he flipped William Eklund's helmet from the bench during that same Islanders-Sharks matchup.
Furthermore, Ottawa Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven was slapped with a $4,166.67 fine, the maximum allowable under the CBA for cross-checking Seattle's Jared McCann. The league's message seems scattered at best.
Celebrini, the first overall pick in 2024, has been the focal point of the Sharks' rebuild under head coach Ryan Warsofsky. He leads all rookies with 48 points through 62 games, and losing him to a head injury would be catastrophic for San Jose.
Consistency issues plague the the NHL Department of Player Safety
The hit occurred as Celebrini was tracking a loose puck. Barzal caught the rookie high, leading to a visible stagger from the 19-year-old. Despite the optics, the league deemed the contact unavoidable or secondary, much to the chagrin of the Sharks faithful.
Warsofsky was visibly frustrated post-game, especially considering the Islanders walked away with two points and zero suspensions. The Sharks are currently focused on development, but protecting their franchise cornerstone is priority number one.
The discrepancy between Kleven's maximum fine for a cross-check and Barzal's "clean" hit highlights the ongoing debate over what constitutes a punishable head contact. For now, Celebrini remains in the lineup, avoiding what could have been a lengthy stint on IR.
With 21 goals already in the bank, Celebrini is the clear favourite for the Calder Trophy. The Sharks continue their road trip Tuesday, hoping their young star doesn't suffer any lingering effects from the unpunished collision.
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NHL delivers another punishment Sunday after cross-checking incident involving Tyler Kleven and Jared McCann
NHL delivers another punishment Sunday after cross-checking incident involving Tyler Kleven and Jared McCann