Conn Smythe Watch: Who leads for Stanley Cup playoffs MVP as the Final begins?
Written by I Dig Sports![](https://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F0605%2Fr1341793_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg)
After three grueling and very entertaining rounds, either the Florida Panthers or the Edmonton Oilers will raise the Stanley Cup as the NHL's champion.
The Conn Smythe Trophy field for playoff MVP offers a far greater number of potential winners.
We asked nearly two dozen potential voters and hockey media that have covered the playoffs for their top three players for postseason MVP. Those ballots were compiled to create this ranking. We attempted to have an equal number of Eastern and Western Conference media in the survey.
Here's a look at where the Conn Smythe race stands ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+). Keep in mind that the winner is determined for their entire body of postseason work and not just what happens in this final round.
Soccer
![Grealish, Rice shrug off Irish boos: 'No bad blood' Grealish, Rice shrug off Irish boos: 'No bad blood'](https://a3.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F0908%2Fr1383477_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg)
Grealish, Rice shrug off Irish boos: 'No bad blood'
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsEngland's Declan Rice and Jack Grealish shrugged off their hostile...
![Marsch: 'Much rather' coach Canada than U.S. now Marsch: 'Much rather' coach Canada than U.S. now](https://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F0908%2Fr1383458_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg)
Marsch: 'Much rather' coach Canada than U.S. now
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJesse Marsch said he was not bitter about being passed over to coac...
![USMNT suffers 1st home loss to Canada in 67 yrs USMNT suffers 1st home loss to Canada in 67 yrs](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/espn/misc_logos/500/soccer.png)
USMNT suffers 1st home loss to Canada in 67 yrs
The United States men's national team suffered its first home loss to Canada in 67 years, as it cont...
Basketball
![Gary Payton Sr. takes over at College of Alameda Gary Payton Sr. takes over at College of Alameda](https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F0320%2Fr1307357_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg)
Gary Payton Sr. takes over at College of Alameda
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer NBA star Gary Payton Sr. is the new head coach of the Colleg...
![Nuggets, Murray agree to 4-year, $208M extension Nuggets, Murray agree to 4-year, $208M extension](https://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2023%2F0519%2Fr1175277_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg)
Nuggets, Murray agree to 4-year, $208M extension
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDenver Nuggets star point guard Jamal Murray has agreed to a four-y...
Baseball
![Red Sox SS Story activated, will start Saturday Red Sox SS Story activated, will start Saturday](https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2023%2F0804%2Fr1206233_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg)
Red Sox SS Story activated, will start Saturday
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox activated Trevor Story off the 60-day...
![Mets' McNeil has broken right wrist, MRI reveals Mets' McNeil has broken right wrist, MRI reveals](https://a3.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F0907%2Fr1383261_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg)
Mets' McNeil has broken right wrist, MRI reveals
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNew York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil has a broken right wrist a...