2025 Conn Smythe Trophy watch: Top 3 contenders to win Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP ahead of potential season-ending Game 6

One Florida Panthers player could claim the Conn Smythe Trophy following a win in Game 6 against the Edmonton Oilers.

With Game 6 potentially being the series clincher, all eyes are on the candidates to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, following remarkable individual performances.

So, here’s a look at the top three contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP as the Florida Panthers heading into a potential season-ending Game 6

Top 3 Conn Smythe Trophy Contenders in 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs

#3 Sergei Bobrovsky

Sergei Bobrovsky has had a stellar postseason, earning him consideration for playoff MVP - Source: Imagn

Sergei Bobrovsky has been as steady as they come in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Panthers netminder has had a stellar, if quiet, playoff run. In 22 games, he’s 15-7 with a 2.26 GAA and a .912 SV%.

If those numbers don’t seem overwhelming, it’s due to the Panthers' stifling defensive game. But make no mistake. Bobrovsky has been huge when his team has needed him the most.

He’s played every minute of every game thus far, and doesn’t look like he’s about to falter any time soon.

Bobrovsky should get plenty of consideration for the Conn Smythe this postseason, a trophy which he should have won last season.

#2 Sam Bennett

Sam Bennett's fantastic postseason has put him at the forefront of Conn Smythe consideration - Source: Imagn

Sam Bennett leads the Panthers in scoring with 15 goals and 22 points in 22 games. He’s tied with Matthew Tkachuk for the team lead in points, showing why he’s part of the Panthers’ heart and soul.

Beyond being the team’s leading goal-scorer, Bennett has had a tremendous postseason, scoring crucial goals throughout the Panthers’ remarkable playoff run.

While other forwards like Aleksander Barkov and Tkachuk could get serious consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy, it seems like Bennett and his goal-scoring exploits could get the nod.

#1 Brad Marchand

Brad Marchand's heroics make him the presumptive choice for playoff MVP - Source: Imagn

Brad Marchand looks like the frontrunner for the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy. Marchand has 10 goals and 10 assists in 22 postseason games. But it’s been his run in the Stanley Cup Final that has cemented his candidacy.

After a quiet first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Marchand played the villain against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round. It’s worth pointing out that the Maple Leafs were close to eliminating the Cats, but it was Marchand who stepped up when his team needed him the most.

In the Cup Final, Marchand has notched six goals, making him the first player since 1988 to score that many goals in a Stanley Cup Final. He’s also become the first player since 1992 to score five or more goals in multiple Stanley Cup Finals.

If that weren’t enough, Marchand has done it all from the bottom-six, leading the Panthers’ depth after being a trade deadline acquisition.

It will be a shocker if Brad Marchand doesn’t win the Conn Smythe Trophy, especially if he has another game like he did in Game 5 against the Oilers.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan