All articles tagged with #conn smythe trophy
NHL.com staff predict a competitive 2026-27 season, with the Colorado Avalanche leading the field for the Stanley Cup. The 14-member panel split its picks, reflecting a wide-open race. The season opens on September 29 with a tripleheader featuring the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes.
Claude Lemieux, a 21-season NHL veteran and four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Canadiens, Devils and Avalanche, has died at 60; famed for clutch playoff performances, he won the 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy and later worked as a player agent.
Sam Bennett was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after leading the Florida Panthers to their second consecutive championship, with notable achievements including 15 goals and setting an NHL record for road goals in a postseason. Bennett emphasized team success over individual awards and expressed gratitude for his journey and current team.
Connor McDavid's exceptional performance in the Stanley Cup Final has solidified his status as the likely Conn Smythe Trophy winner, transforming the series into a showcase of his individual brilliance. Despite the Florida Panthers' efforts, McDavid's ability to disrupt their defense and create opportunities for his teammates has made him the central figure of the playoffs, elevating his legacy to that of hockey legends.
NHL.com staff members predict the outcome of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. The majority favor the Panthers, citing their tenacity, defensive strength, and goaltending. However, some believe the Oilers' star power, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, will prevail. The series is expected to be highly competitive, with predictions split on the Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
NHL.com staff members have made their predictions for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the Dallas Stars emerging as the favorite to win it all. The panel of writers and editors have offered their picks for the first-round series, with the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes among the favored teams. The predictions also include potential Conn Smythe Trophy winners, with players like Joe Pavelski, Sebastian Aho, and Connor McDavid being highlighted as potential standouts.
The Vegas Golden Knights won their first Stanley Cup title by routing the Florida Panthers 9-3 in Game 5. Captain Mark Stone scored a hat trick, and goalie Adin Hill made big saves to secure the win. Jonathan Marchessault won the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP. The Golden Knights' path to the championship included adding key players like Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, and Jack Eichel, and overcoming injuries and cap woes. The win came in the team's fifth season, making them the quickest expansion team to win a Cup after the Original Six era.
As the Vegas Golden Knights lead the Florida Panthers 3-1 in the Stanley Cup Final, the debate over who will win the Conn Smythe Trophy for the most valuable player in the playoffs continues. NHL.com writers have differing opinions, with some suggesting Adin Hill, Jonathan Marchessault, Alex Pietrangelo, Chandler Stephenson, Mark Stone, or even Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers. Marchessault leads the Golden Knights in goals and points in the playoffs, while Pietrangelo has been a key defenseman and leader. Stephenson has been a versatile player in all situations, and Stone has made a remarkable comeback from back surgery to contribute 21 points in 21 playoff games.
The Vegas Golden Knights dominated the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, winning 7-2 and taking a 2-0 series lead. Jonathan Marchessault continued his hot streak with two goals, bringing his total to 12 goals in his last 12 games. Vegas' depth has been a key factor, with 15 of 18 skaters recording a point in the series so far. Florida's goaltending and overall performance have been concerning, and they now face a 2-0 deficit as the series shifts to Sunrise for Games 3 and 4.
The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player of the entire NHL postseason, not just the championship round. As the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers prepare to face off in the Stanley Cup Final, a dozen writers were polled to determine the top 10 candidates for MVP honors. The race is tight, with players from both teams in contention for the award.
Jack Eichel's seamless fit with the Vegas Golden Knights has led to questions about whether they can win the Stanley Cup this year, with Eichel being a key player in their balanced attack. Despite concerns about how he would fit in with the team after leaving the Buffalo Sabres, Eichel quickly became accepted by his new teammates and has been praised for his humility and team-first mentality. Oddsmakers have listed him as a top contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy, but Eichel remains focused on the team's success and the importance of jelling as a group.
The Chicago Blackhawks announced that they will not be re-signing captain Jonathan Toews this offseason as his contract expires. Toews has been with the team for 16 seasons, playing in 1,066 games and scoring 371 goals with 511 assists. He was named to six NHL All-Star teams and won three Stanley Cup titles with the Blackhawks. Toews will play in his final game with the team on Thursday night.