NHL Conn Smythe Trophy rankings: Who is best positioned to win with the Stanley Cup finals looming?

With the Montreal Canadiens hanging by a thread, the battle to win the Conn Smythe isn’t quite as murky as it was last week. 

But it’s by no means crystal clear, either, with about 10 players who can be considered contenders, and that’s if the Canadiens don’t defy the odds and overturn what appears to be an insurmountable deficit in the Eastern Conference final. 

I discuss five of the frontrunners, honing in on why they’re in with a chance as the Stanley Cup Final beckons. 

5. Taylor Hall, LW, Carolina Hurricanes

With only one point in four games against the Canadiens, Taylor Hall’s Conn Smythe Trophy staying power is waning, albeit only slightly. 

While Hall has cooled considerably, he is tied with Jackson Blake for the most points on the Hurricanes (13). 

The Hurricanes’ balanced scoring and endless depth give Hall a pretty good shot at winning the award, as a bunch of teammates are performing well, but no one has exceeded his overall performance level. 

MORE: 2026 NHL Conn Smythe Trophy rankings: Will time off affect Hurricanes' Frederik Andersen, Logan Stankoven?

4. Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights

Despite not notching a point in Games 3 and 4 against the Colorado Avalanche, Jack Eichel is tied with teammate Ivan Barbashev for the most even-strength points (12).  

Eichel also has the most assists (16), two ahead of Conn Smythe favorite Mitch Marner. 

While he has some ground to make up, Eichel is positioned well to turn some heads with a productive Stanley Cup Final and win the award that eluded him in 2022-23, when Jonathan Marchessault took the plaudits.   

3. Carter Hart, G, Vegas Golden Knights

Carter Hart’s ascendency in the playoffs is one of the primary reasons the Golden Knights secured a berth to their third Stanley Cup Final in nine seasons. 

Since Game 6 against the Utah Mammoth, Hart is 9-2 with a 1.82 goals-against average (GAA) and .940 save percentage. He has allowed two goals or fewer in nine of those 11 contests, including in three of four against the high-powered Avalanche. 

MORE: Golden Knights Don't Touch Clarence S. Campbell Bowl As They Sweep Avalanche And Advance To Cup Final

2. Frederik Andersen, G, Carolina Hurricanes 

Frederik Andersen hasn’t been at his best against the Canadiens, but he hasn’t had to be. He faced 43 shots in Games 2 through 4, an average of 14.3 per contest. 

Of the Eastern Conference final tilts, he finished with a goals saved above expected in the black just once, in Game 4. 

You can’t ignore the Dane’s overall stats, though, as he has allowed more than two goals once in 12 games. His 11-1 record, 1.44 GAA, and .928 save percentage place him as one of the favorites to win playoff MVP.

MORE: Ex-Leafs Goalie Frederik Andersen Reacts To Facing Far Fewer Shots With Hurricanes

1. Mitch Marner, RW, Vegas Golden Knights

Marner is the clear and undisputed Conn Smythe Trophy favorite entering the Stanley Cup Final. Leading all scorers with 21 points, he notched three points, all of which were assists, against the Avalanche. 

Marner has registered at least a point in 11 of 16 playoff encounters, including six multi-point outings. Of the Golden Knights’ forwards, only Eichel is averaging more ice time than his 21:16 per game. 

He’ll likely have to win the Cup to be named MVP, as he hasn’t dominated enough to receive the honor if the Golden Knights don’t reign supreme. 

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