The 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers is not just about hoisting the Cup. With stars lighting up the postseason, the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the playoff MVP, is wide open. This year’s battle includes explosive scorers, elite goaltending, and playoff-tested veterans making one final push.
With Florida holding a 2-1 series lead, momentum has shifted in their favor. But the Oilers remain dangerous, and if they rally, it could dramatically swing the MVP race.
Ranking the Top 5 Conn Smythe Favorites Heading Into Game 4
1. Sam Bennett – Florida Panthers (+140)
No one has done more to boost their Conn Smythe case than Sam Bennett. He’s been unstoppable with a league-leading 14 goals, including four in the first three games of the Final. Bennett also set a new NHL record with 12 road goals in a single postseason and has paired his scoring with punishing physicality, tallying 97 hits.
Sam Bennett sets the NHL record for the most road goals in a single postseason 🚨 pic.twitter.com/4CpEuuF0tj
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2025
His postseason impact is unmatched. He leads all skaters in goals off the rush and ranks near the top in high-danger scoring chances. If the Panthers go the distance, Bennett is the favorite to take home MVP honors.
2. Connor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers (+240)
McDavid continues to be a force, even with the Oilers trailing. He leads the playoffs in points (31) and remains the heartbeat of the Oilers’ offense. Last year’s Conn Smythe winner could go back-to-back, a feat only a few in NHL history have achieved.
McVP 🏆
Connor McDavid has won the Conn Smythe Trophy!
He had 42 points (8G, 34A) in 25 games played#StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/jYDVstfNi9
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 25, 2024
If Edmonton stages a comeback, McDavid’s chances rise sharply. Even in a losing effort, his dominance could be enough to earn another MVP nod.
3. Brad Marchand – Florida Panthers (+550)
At 37, Brad Marchand has defied expectations. His Game 3 goal helped solidify Florida’s lead in the series, and his double-overtime winner in Game 2 was a turning point. With eight goals and 18 points, Marchand is making every shift count.
His leadership and energy have sparked the team. Off the ice, teammates credit him for keeping spirits high. He’s climbing the odds board for a reason.
4. Sergei Bobrovsky – Florida Panthers (+450)
Bobrovsky has been steady in the net while not as flashy as Florida’s scorers. His 2.15 goals-against average and .916 save percentage speak to his reliability. If Florida wins with defense, he’ll be a significant reason why.
Goalies often get Conn Smythe consideration in tight series, and Bobrovsky is no stranger to big moments.
5. Leon Draisaitl – Edmonton Oilers (+1200)
Draisaitl has quietly put up 29 points in the postseason. Often overshadowed by McDavid, he remains one of the most consistent playoff performers in the league. Draisaitl could earn recognition for his all-around play if Edmonton claws back into the series.
Honorable Mentions for the 2025 Conn Smythe Award
Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart, and Evan Bouchard are still long shots but capable of putting together some top-notch performances down the stretch. A few big games could shift the odds quickly.
With the series far from over, expect the Conn Smythe race to evolve with every shift. And no matter who lifts the Cup, this year’s MVP will have more than earned it.
