The 2025 Stanley Cup Final begins on Wednesday evening in Edmonton, and it will be a rematch of last year’s Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers won that series in seven games after allowing a 3-0 series lead to slip away.
With the series set to begin and three rounds of playoffs in the books, let’s take a look at the Conn Smythe race and six of the leading contenders for playoff MVP going into the series.
1. Connor McDavid, forward, Edmonton Oilers
McDavid won last year’s Conn Smythe Trophy despite Edmonton losing the series. He became the first player since 2003 (Anaheim Mighty Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere) to win the award in a losing effort, and his 42 points were a big reason why. He is not on track to reach that same point total this postseason, but he still enters the series leading the NHL in assists (20), total points (26) and shots on goal (59) through the first three rounds. He has been the best player in the playoffs and a constant one-man highlight reel.
