Conn Smythe Trophy race narrows to five frontrunners as Stanley Cup finals approach
With the Stanley Cup finals matchup expected to be confirmed in the coming days, the field for the NHL’s playoff MVP award has consolidated, with statistical leaders and key performers from the remaining teams vying for the trophy.
The race for the 2026 NHL Conn Smythe Trophy has sharpened significantly as the playoffs move toward the Stanley Cup finals. According to reporting from Yahoo Sports, the field of contenders has narrowed to five primary frontrunners, with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner emerging as the clear favourite. Marner leads all scorers with 21 points, having recorded at least a point in 11 of his 16 playoff games, including six multi-point outings. He also leads all players with 16 assists, two more than any other competitor.
Marner’s dominance is underpinned by consistent production and high ice time, averaging 21 minutes and 16 seconds per game, a figure surpassed only by Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel among his peers. However, analysts note that Marner’s path to the award likely requires the Maple Leafs to win the Cup, as he has not yet accumulated enough individual dominance to secure the honour should his team fall short.
The Golden Knights’ path to their third Stanley Cup final in nine seasons has been heavily influenced by goaltender Carter Hart. Since Game 6 against the Utah Mammoth, Hart has posted a 9-2 record, maintaining a 1.82 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage. He has allowed two goals or fewer in nine of those 11 contests, including three of four games against the Colorado Avalanche, helping to secure the franchise’s latest final berth.
On the defensive side, Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen remains a strong candidate despite a quieter performance in the Eastern Conference final. Andersen holds an 11-1 playoff record with a 1.44 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage, having allowed more than two goals in only one of his 12 games. While his goals saved above expected metric was positive in only one of the final three games against Montreal, his overall statistical profile keeps him in the conversation for the MVP award.
Offensive support from the remaining finalists also shapes the landscape. Jack Eichel is tied with teammate Ivan Barbashev for the most even-strength points with 12, while Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall is tied with Jackson Blake for the team lead with 13 points. Hall’s recent form has cooled, registering just one point in four games against Montreal, but his overall volume keeps him in the mix. The Montreal Canadiens, currently facing elimination in the Eastern Conference final, have seen their own potential MVP candidates fade from the top tier of the race.
