With the playoffs in full swing, the debate over who will take home the Conn Smythe Trophy is already heating up, and two-time Stanley Cup winner Matthew Tkachuk already has a name in mind for his early pick for the 2026 postseason.
Canadiens Rookie Emerges as Conn Smythe Favorite
As the NHL moves into the second round, the Conn Smythe race remains wide open. Typically awarded to the most valuable player across the entire postseason, the early conversation has been dominated by standout goaltenders and elite scorers still in contention.
Speaking on his Wingmen podcast, Matthew Tkachuk pointed to an unexpected name leading his list, a rookie netminder from the Montreal Canadiens. “I had Josh Anderson for a little bit, and he would still be very close for me, but (Jakub) Dobes, I think he’s been sick.” Tkachuk said.
Montreal’s opening-round victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning has only added fuel to the conversation. The Canadiens pushed through a tight seven-game series, with Dobes emerging as a major difference-maker between the pipes.
The young goalie delivered when it mattered most, including a 28-save performance in Game 7 that sealed a 2-1 win and eliminated Tampa Bay. In the process, he outdueled veteran star Andrei Vasilevskiy, turning heads across the league.
However, Josh Anderson has quietly made his own impact, contributing two goals and three points over the series.
Tkachuk wasn’t the only one making predictions. Former NHL forward T. J. Oshie also shared his pick during the podcast, leaning toward a different contender.
“I mean it usually goes to the winner and so I think Colorado is going to win,” Oshie said. “I think (Cale) Makar. I know he got banged up a little bit but I think Makar is just an absolute difference maker.”
Makar showed exactly why in Game 1 against the Minnesota Wild, putting up two goals and three points while controlling the game with his elite two-way play.
One notable name missing from the race is Connor McDavid. Despite winning the award in 2024 and entering this postseason as a favorite, his chances ended early after the Edmonton Oilers were eliminated in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks.
With multiple contenders stepping up and plenty of hockey still to be played, the Conn Smythe race is far from decided. For now, though, the Canadiens rookie has firmly entered the spotlight and could be just getting started.
