NHL Conn Smythe Trophy rankings: Golden Knights players take pole position

While it appears a long and thrilling Stanley Cup Final is on tap, the Vegas Golden Knights players contending for the Conn Smythe gained an advantage over their Carolina Hurricanes counterparts. 

Mitch Marner is the undeniable lead horse in the race, and his performance in Game 1 reinforced that notion. 

Let’s take a look at some of the other players who are an explosive game or two away from shifting the Conn Smythe Trophy narrative.

5. Brett Howden, C, Vegas Golden Knights

It would be a script fit for Disney if Brett Howden wins the Conn Smythe Trophy. The 28-year-old scored 12 goals in 58 regular-season games and has 11 in only 17 playoff games. 

He scored eight of those goals in enemy environments, putting into focus just how special a postseason he’s having. 

His playoffs, at least to some extent, remind me of Sam Bennett’s improbable Conn Smythe-winning run last year. Bennett scored 15 goals to lead all skaters, 13 of which were on the road. 

With 14 points, Howden is tied for third on the Golden Knights.

MORE: Mitch Marner isn't allowed to pick and choose when he talks about his past with the Maple Leafs

4. Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Carolina Hurricanes

Nikolaj Ehlers’ Conn Smythe stock has soared since Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final, when he netted two goals against the Montreal Canadiens, including the overtime game-winner. 

He has seven points in the previous five games and lit the lamp twice in a losing cause in the opener against Vegas. While he’s still a bit of a long shot, Ehlers is someone to keep an eye on as the Stanley Cup Final progresses. 

3. Taylor Hall, LW, Taylor Hall

Taylor Hall was held off the scoresheet in Game 1, and he was relatively quiet throughout. He didn’t notch a point in three of the previous six games, a potentially disconcerting development for Rod Brind’Amour and Co. 

However, Hall failed to score a point in consecutive games just once, and he leads the Hurricanes with 16 points (5 goals, 11 assists). 

Hall has the most even-strength points (14), and he’s scoring the second-most points per game behind Marner. A few more offensive outbursts could return him to a pole position, as long as the Hurricanes win the Cup. 

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2. Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights

It feels like Jack Eichel has trailed Marner by three points for most of the playoffs. His 19 points are second-best, three ahead of Hall, and Eichel is tied for the second-most even-strength points (13). 

Leading the playoffs with 17 assists, Eichel is a breakout performance away from competing with Marner for favorite status. 

While he only has one multi-point game in the previous six, Eichel has been consistent and reliable, notching at least one point in 12 of 17 encounters. 

MORE: Jack Eichel, Chris Chelios are wrong about the history of Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs

1. Mitch Marner, RW, Vegas Golden Knights

Marner gained separation from the chasing pack after his demonstrative Game 1 performance. Sure, he only had one assist, but it’s the intangibles he brings that stick out from a crowd like an extended hockey stick. 

His assist was out of the upper echelon, a swift, shifty, and deceptive behind-the-back dish to William Karlsson. Marner was solid defensively, and he put his body on the line in the dying seconds, blocking an Alexander Nikishkin goal-bound sizzler. 

Marner’s teammates immediately recognized the selfless heroics, swarming him at the final whistle in appreciation. While it was only one block, it signified so much more for Marner, offering another reason why he’s in pole position to win the most coveted individual honor. 

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