Last season, Florida’s Sam Bennett was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy, given to the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Now that the Panthers are no longer in the postseason, a new player is expected to clinch the award in 2026. Who will it be? Let’s examine the betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 24 and take a look at the past two decades of winners.
The odds list Nathan MacKinnon of Colorado as the clear favorite, with a +550 line, meaning a $10 wager would net a total of $65 if he wins. Other notable contenders include Cale Makar and Sebastian Aho at +1600, Connor McDavid at +1800, and a range of players from various teams, each with their own betting lines.
Here’s some background on the odds: MacKinnon has long been a standout for the Avalanche since being drafted first overall in 2013. He’s amassed 126 playoff points, including 24 in 2022—the year his team last won the Stanley Cup. Despite never having won the Conn Smythe, MacKinnon boasts several prestigious awards, such as the Ted Lindsay Award, NHL First All-Star Team honors, and the Hart Trophy.
Makar, MacKinnon’s teammate, is also a key player to watch. He previously won the Conn Smythe in 2022 when Colorado took home the championship. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid, who previously secured this award in 2024, is currently tied 1-1 in the playoffs with the Anaheim Ducks, marking him as a serious contender.
Over the past 20 years, winners of the Conn Smythe include stars like Sam Bennett, Connor McDavid, Jonathan Marchessault, Cale Makar, and several legendary players such as Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Patrick Kane. Notably, some winners played for teams that did not win the Stanley Cup, indicated by an asterisk in the historical list.
Fan Take: The race for the 2026 Conn Smythe Trophy highlights the rising and established stars who define modern hockey, keeping fans eagerly engaged. This awards race often sparks intense debate and anticipation, making it a vital storyline that adds extra excitement to the postseason and enhances the sport’s entertainment value.
Source: www.foxsports.com
