Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: Who Are the Favorites?

We’ve had one of the most entertaining Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory through the first five games of the series, featuring incredible highlights, major historical and legacy implications, and constant viral moments. 

But, with the Panthers now holding a commanding 3-2 lead in the series, it may soon be coming to a close. 

With a series-clinching game set for Tuesday, here’s a look at where the odds currently stand for the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP.  

Conn Smythe Trophy Odds

2024-25 Conn Smythe Trophy Favorite

Sam Bennett, C, Panthers (-220)

Whatever witch doctor or black magic the Panthers organization has its hands on has produced an assembly line’s worth of guys like Bennett. But there’s still only one copy of the original, and he’s having a Conn Smythe-worthy playoff journey right now. 

Through 22 games played in this postseason, he has 15 goals and 22 points overall, the most prolific scorer on the team by far. He’s also a plus-six while playing more than 17 minutes per game. 

While Bennett is obviously one of the main forces on this Florida team, his first time near the top of the Conn Smythe odds has come at the number one spot.

In my opinion, it’s a little premature. 

I don’t know if Bennett’s narrative will be as strong as some of his teammates, which is something that PWHA will either consciously or subconsciously consider in their voting decision-making. 

Yes, Bennett’s been the best player on his team offensively, but it’s still been quiet production for the 28-year-old forward. 

Numbers-wise, yes, Bennett has the best case. But his teammate, Marchand, has a better shot at winning the Conn Smythe, in my opinion. 

2024-25 Conn Smythe Trophy Contenders

Brad Marchand, F, Panthers (+375)

If you ask a casual sports fan for the headline of this Stanley Cup playoffs, they’re going to answer with something about Marchand. Whether you’re consuming highlights, watching box scores, or listening to podcasts, you’re probably hearing and seeing a lot of him. 

His amazing highlight goal in Game 5 of this series only adds to his notoriety for this playoff run. 

Someone who’s watched every game of the Finals or every Panthers playoff game may pick Bennett or even Sergei Bobrovsky as their pick for Conn Smythe. But Marchand has the public’s vote. 

If we were to set up a voting system for the Conn Smythe Award modeled after American Idol or The Voice, and NHL fans had to call a number and vote for a winner, America would vote for Marchand. 

The statistics back up the eye test, or narrative test, and indicate that Marchand is having a great playoffs. He ranks second in the Panthers in goal scoring, with 10 goals this postseason. 

If the Finals end with a Florida Panthers victory, as they very well might at this point, Marchand will be the winner of the Conn Smythe. 

Leon Draisaitl, C, Panthers (+800)

Color me perplexed that Draisaitl has somehow gained the third-place odds on this leaderboard. 

He has a significant statistical case to be named Conn Smythe, I’ll concede that. He’s got 11 goals and 22 assists in his 21 games played this postseason. His overtime heroics throughout this run have also earned him the right to be named a finalist in Conn Smythe voting. 

But, I’m struggling to find a scenario in which the PWHA awards Draisaitl the Conn Smythe Trophy. 

He will not win the trophy unless the Oilers win the Stanley Cup. And if Edmonton wins the Cup, there is no scenario in which Connor McDavid doesn’t get the Conn Smythe. I’ve written it over and over throughout these playoffs; it’s just not going to happen. 

Draisaitl’s numbers are also comparable to McDavid’s. The two have an equal points total through the playoffs, except McDavid’s done it with only seven goals and with 26 assists. 

The Oilers could come back in this series but I don’t think Draisaitl can win the Conn Smythe Trophy.