As the Stanley Cup final kicks off this Wednesday, the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s playoff MVP, is heating up. Both the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers have several standout players making strong cases for this prestigious award. From skilled scorers to key defensive players, these stars are ready to shine in the final. Let’s take a closer look at the top Conn Smythe contenders from both teams.
Florida Panthers’ Conn Smythe Contenders
While the Panthers didn’t have a Conn Smythe winner in their quest for the Stanley Cup last season, there are three strong candidates on this year’s roster who could claim the trophy if Florida can clinch the Cup.
- Aleksander Barkov
The Panthers’ captain, Barkov, is arguably their best all-around player. Recently awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward for the second year in a row, Barkov has been a major contributor on both ends of the ice. With six goals and 17 points in 17 games, he’s on track for another stellar postseason. His leadership, two-way play, and consistency make him a top contender for the Conn Smythe. - Sergei Bobrovsky
Florida’s goaltender, Bobrovsky, has been crucial to the Panthers’ playoff success. He’s posted a solid .912 save percentage, 2.11 goals-against average, and three shutouts in 17 games. Although he hasn’t been perfect, Bobrovsky has come up with key saves, especially in the Eastern Conference final, where he outplayed Frederik Andersen. His performances in big moments give him a legitimate shot at winning the Conn Smythe. - Sam Bennett
The standout forward for the Panthers, Bennett, has arguably done enough to be the front-runner for the Conn Smythe. With 10 goals and 16 points in 16 games, Bennett’s hard-nosed play has made him one of the most valuable players for Florida. He’s been a major contributor in both scoring and physicality, making life difficult for opposing teams. Bennett’s four more playoff goals than the next-highest-scoring Panther highlight his importance, and his overall play makes him a strong contender for this year’s Conn Smythe.
Edmonton Oilers’ Conn Smythe Contenders
The Oilers have had impressive performances from all over their lineup, with key contributions from defenseman Evan Bouchard, injured forward Zach Hyman, center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and veteran Corey Perry. However, three players stand out as the top Conn Smythe contenders for Edmonton.
- Stuart Skinner
Although he’s only played in 10 playoff games, Skinner’s performances have been crucial to Edmonton’s playoff run. He struggled early in the series against the Los Angeles Kings but bounced back in a big way during the Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars. Skinner’s performance in the Stanley Cup final against the Panthers will go a long way in determining his playoff legacy. His current .904 save percentage and 2.53 GAA may not be eye-popping, but his strong playoff performances have earned him some recognition. - Connor McDavid
No surprise here: McDavid is the most obvious Conn Smythe contender for the Oilers. With 20 assists and 26 points in 16 games this postseason, McDavid continues to dominate. His 23:16 average ice time per game is far higher than any other Oilers forward, and he’s been involved in nearly every offensive play. McDavid’s determination and leadership are unmatched, and he’s on a mission to ensure Edmonton wins the Stanley Cup. His relentless drive makes him the clear front-runner for the Conn Smythe this year. - Leon Draisaitl
Draisaitl, McDavid’s partner in crime, is another contender for the Conn Smythe. With two game-winning goals and a dominant presence on the ice, Draisaitl continues to show why he’s one of the best players in the world. While McDavid may be the leader of the team, Draisaitl’s ability to take over a game on his own makes him a serious contender for the award as well. Whether or not Edmonton wins the Cup, Draisaitl’s impact on the ice has been undeniable.
The Conn Smythe Trophy is always a tough race, with players from both teams vying for the prestigious honor. For the Florida Panthers, Aleksander Barkov, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Sam Bennett are the top candidates, with Bennett’s standout performances making him a strong contender. On the other hand, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl from the Edmonton Oilers are the obvious front-runners, with McDavid’s dominant play throughout the postseason making him the likely winner.
While the race is tight, McDavid’s leadership, skill, and relentless pursuit of a Cup victory could be the key factors that secure the Conn Smythe for him this year.
