NHL Conn Smythe rankings: Mitch Marner remains ahead of chasing Hurricanes
NHL Conn Smythe rankings: Mitch Marner remains ahead of chasing Hurricanes originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There are more twists and turns in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final than in the 78 laps at the Monaco Grand Prix.
While Mitch Marner has continued his breakneck acceleration in the Conn Smythe Trophy race, a Carolina Hurricane has quickly ascended to prominence, joining the MVP conversation.
Let’s take a look at the players who remain the most likely to capture the most venerated individual honor.
5. Brett Howden, C, Vegas Golden Knights
Brett Howden is battling Jack Eichel for the second-most likely Golden Knight to take MVP plaudits.
In my opinion, Howden is ahead. The 28-year-old leads all skaters with 14 goals, three ahead of second-place Logan Stankoven. He has six points through four Stanley Cup Final games, four of which are goals.
After failing to score in the first three games of the playoffs, Howden has enjoyed a remarkable stretch of 14 goals in 17 games.
MORE: What does the Golden Knights’ ‘unsung hero’ have in store for Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final?
4. Taylor Hall, LW, Carolina Hurricanes
Taylor Hall keeps chugging along and has 18 points, tied for the team lead with Jackson Blake. After failing to register a point in Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, he scored a goal in Game 3 and added a helper in Game 4.
Only Eichel and Marner have more points, with the latter the lone individual who has more points per game.
I reckon he’ll have to elevate another level or two to have any chance of walking away with the honors.
3. Logan Stankoven, C, Carolina Hurricanes
I have to keep reminding myself that Stankoven is in his third playoffs. He’s on the path to becoming one of the all-time playoff greats, as the 23-year-old has already participated in two conference finals and a Stanley Cup Final.
You can see why with his rare knack for popping up in the biggest moments. He has two goals in the Stanley Cup Final, and three of his 11 are game-winners.
2. Jordan Staal, C, Carolina Hurricanes
Jordan Staal has ascended to prominence faster than wind gusts in a Category-5 hurricane.
He has tossed the team on his 37-year-old shoulders, scoring a goal in each of the first three games and adding two in Game 4, including the game-winner on a diving chipshot.
He became the first player aged 37 or older to score in the first four games of a Stanley Cup Final and joined an exclusive club consisting of Mike Bossy, Steve Payne, and Johnny Bucyk as the only players to accomplish that feat.
Another two or three games emulating the first four will put him in a prime position, at least for Hurricanes players, to win.
1. Mitch Marner, RW, Vegas Golden Knights
If the series goes the distance, Marner is on pace to beat Wayne Gretzky’s record for most points (13) in a Stanley Cup Final.
While it’s unlikely he’ll pull it off, the mere possibility is a reflection of his otherworldly play. Marner has eight points in the final and 29 points in 20 games, eight ahead of Eichel.
He has eight multi-point outings, all of which have occurred in the previous 15 contests. Unless things change drastically, Marner is a shoo-in if the Golden Knights win the Cup.
Whether he’s dominated enough to secure the award if the Hurricanes triumph is another question entirely.
If Staal continues his precipitous ascent, I’d suggest not.
More NHL News
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.