NHL Conn Smythe Trophy rankings: Field begins to emerge as first round nears end

This week’s Conn Smythe Trophy watch not only focuses on thriving players, but those who are in a position of relative strength at this early juncture of the post-season. 

The likes of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Brandon Hagel were omitted solely because of their current predicament, being down 3-2 in their respective series. Consecutive wins for the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning would change that scenario in a flash. 

While none of the featured players have won the Conn Smythe, two have sipped from the Stanley Cup. 

5. Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights

Jack Eichel started the playoffs as one of the favorites, faded after a few games, but has since returned to prominence, scoring five points in the last two contests. 

He has eight points (one goal and seven assists), one behind playoff leaders Draisaitl and Kirill Kaprizov. Instrumental in the Vegas Golden Knights’ back-to-back overtime wins, Eichel has his team in pole position to advance into the second round. 

The 29-year-old was in the running to win the coveted prize when the Golden Knights won the Cup in 2023, but eventually lost out to linemate Jonathan Marchessault. 

MORE: Hurricanes, Avalanche emerge as top NHL Stanley Cup contenders in new playoff odds

4. Matt Boldy, LW/RW, Minnesota Wild

With his physicality, speed, tenacity, net front presence, and ability to win puck battles, Matt Boldy is built for the post-season. 

He has four goals through five games, scoring in two of three games in Dallas. Boldy has the most shots on goal (28), tied with Jason Robertson, and the most shots attempted (49), tied with Nikita Kucherov. 

I have a feeling the 25-year-old, who hasn’t made it out of the first round in his previous three playoffs, will get better as the post-season rolls on. If the Wild oust the Dallas Stars, he’ll be one to watch. 

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3. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild

Kirill the Thrill has taken over the series, securing five points in the Wild’s back-to-back victories. He’s tied atop the scoring leaderboard with Draisaitl, netting two goals and seven assists. 

Like Boldy, Kaprizov scored in two of three games in Dallas and already has three multi-point games, all of which the Wild won. 

The chemistry he’s built with Boldy has placed the pair among the league’s best duos, and it feels like they’re just getting started. The question is whether they can close out the Stars and upset the Presidents’ Trophy winners in the next round. 

I have my doubts, but anything is possible with Kaprizov and Boldy on the prowl. 

2. Logan Stankoven, RW, Carolina Hurricanes

As it’s already been almost a week since Logan Stankoven laced up the skates for a playoff contest, let me remind everyone how his first four games went. 

He and Frederik Andersen, along with Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake, are the reason the Hurricanes will be the most well-rested Eastern Conference team entering their second-round series against the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Stankoven scored the opening goal in the first three games and lit the lamp late in Game 4 to help propel the Hurricanes to the sweep over the Ottawa Senators. 

I also think the Hurricanes match up well with the Flyers, believing their playoff experience will be too much for Philly. 

MORE: Logan Stankoven Scores Opening Goal For Third Straight Game

1. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon hasn’t shown his best stuff yet by any stretch of the imagination, which should work in his favor. 

After warming up in the first three games against the Los Angeles Kings, scoring just one point, he exploded in Game 4, notching three to send Anze Kopitar and Co. packing. 

MacKinnon will get better as the playoffs go on, and I fully expect the Avalanche to make a deep run. The 2026 Rocket Richard Trophy winner is one of the more prolific post-season performers, averaging 1.3 points per game in his career. 

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