Why Canada's Connor McDavid won Olympics hockey MVP award over USA's Connor Hellebuyck, Jack Hughes

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The United States may have won the gold medal on Sunday, but the MVP belongs to Canada. Connor McDavid was named the MVP of the men's ice hockey Olympic tournament, even though he was on the losing side.

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) February 22, 2026

McDavid now has an MVP in the Olympics and an MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, despite being on the losing side in both events. McDavid has also won three NHL Hart awards for the MVP of the NHL season.

It appeared that Connor Hellebuyck or Jack Hughes were in line to win the MVP award, as they were the heroes for Team USA on Sunday. However, voters went with McDavid, who is considered to be the best hockey player in the world.

Here's a look at why McDavid won MVP.

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Why did Connor McDavid win MVP?

Although Connor Hellebuyck and Jack Hughes were the gold medal heroes for the United States, Connor McDavid was named MVP of the tournament.

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) February 22, 2026

McDavid ended the tournament with 13 points, more than any other player in the Olympics, producing two goals and 11 assists. As the MVP is awarded based on the entire men's ice hockey event, McDavid was given the MVP for his performance in all six games he played.

Hellebuyck certainly had a case, as he was the best player on the ice in the gold medal game and the best goalie in the men's hockey Olympic tournament. However, McDavid was the best overall skater, so it's not a total shocker that he came away as the MVP.

MORE: Watch Jack Hughes' golden goal vs. Canada

Connor McDavid Olympic stats

  • Games: 6
  • Goals: 2
  • Assists: 11
  • Points 13
  • +/-: +5

McDavid led all players with 11 assists and 13 points, but he only scored two goals in the six games. He also avoided taking any penalties throughout the tournament.

Connor Hellebuyck Olympic stats

  • Games: 5
  • Shots faced: 137
  • Saves: 131
  • Goals allowed: 6
  • Goals allowed average: 1.18
  • Save percentage: .956

Hellebuyck was the most deserving member of Team USA, allowing just six goals on 137 shots faced in the tournament. His .956 save percentage was the best in the Olympics, allowing just 1.18 goals per game.

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