Through two Stanley Cup Final games, there is a clear favorite for Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
But there’s still ample time for the script to flip and a different player from either the Florida Panthers or Vegas Golden Knights to steal the award, handed out annually to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Here’s a look at the Conn Smythe Trophy odds.
2023 NHL Conn Smythe Trophy Winner Odds
You can bet on the latest and most optimal NHL odds for players to earn one of the most difficult awards.
NHL Conn Smythe Trophy odds used in this article are current as of Tuesday, June 6, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Strikethrough indicates line movement from last week.
- Jonathan Marchessault, RW, Vegas Golden Knights
(+700)(-105) - Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights (+425)
- Adin Hill, G, Vegas Golden Knights
(+1200)(+500) - Matthew Tkachuk, LW, Florida Panthers
(+290)(+1000) - Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Florida Panthers
(+210)(+1300) - Mark Stone, RW, Vegas Golden Knights
(+900)(+1500) - William Karlsson, LW, Vegas Golden Knights
(+700)(+2000)
Conn Smythe Trophy Best Bet 2023
Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights (+425)
With apologies to fans from Buffalo, Eichel is on the short list of favorites to become the second former Sabres star in the past five seasons to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (Ryan O’Reilly for St. Louis in 2019).
Eichel has risen to the occasion and given the Golden Knights a huge lift in these playoffs. He’s leading them in points (22) through 19 playoff games and had multi-point games in each of the Cup Final’s first two games.
Plus, he delivered on drama by returning after briefly exiting play after he was laid out by Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk.
It’s down to Eichel or linemate Jonathan Marchessault (see more on his case below) if Vegas holds on and wins the Cup. But Eichel plays center, a more important position, and is setting up most of Marchessault’s goals with highlight-reel plays.
I’ll take Eichel, and the more lucrative odds, to earn the award as this NHL top pick.
Conn Smythe Trophy Favorites 2024
Jonathan Marchessault, RW, Vegas Golden Knights (-105)
Marchessault’s prolonged hot streak has now made him the betting favorite to earn playoff MVP.
The notoriously streaky right wing had just two points and no goals over Vegas’ first seven playoff games. But he’s been hotter than Vegas in June, posting 12 goals and 19 points while boosting the Golden Knights within two victories of the Stanley Cup.
Marchessault, renowned for having a chip on his shoulder, is fully immersed in a revenge series — he was chosen by the Golden Knights from the Panthers in the 2017 expansion draft. The odds are still favorable enough to make this wager worthwhile too. Take it before the value tanks.
Matthew Tkachuk, LW/RW, Florida Panthers (+1000)
The pesky but ultra-skilled Florida forward had been the breakout star of this postseason. Tkachuk had an MVP-caliber season by earning a spot as a Hart Trophy finalist, and had done it all for Florida throughout its run to the Stanley Cup Final.
But the Panthers’ star winger had a brutal first two Cup Final games where he finished with just one goal and 36 penalty minutes. Still, with his playoff resumé — he leads Florida in goals and points and has four game-winning goals, including three in overtime — if the Panthers get back in the series, it’s likely he’ll get back in the mix for Conn Smythe.
Conn Smythe Trophy Contenders 2024
Adin Hill, G, Vegas Golden Knights (+500)
Usually, goalies are the most important players on the ice, and Hill has been exceptional since taking over for Laurent Brossoit during the second round against Edmonton.
The only reason why Hill is not being given greater consideration is because he hasn’t played the entire postseason. Plus, Vegas is an elite defensive team known for its shot-blocking prowess.
But Hill made the save of the Cup Final by robbing Florida forward Nick Cousins with his stick paddle in Game 1. He’s been dominant as well, giving up just four goals through two games.
If Hill stands on his head the rest of the series, he could steal the award from Marchessault or Eichel.
Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Florida Panthers (+1300)
Bobrovsky, who took over for backup Alex Lyon midway through Florida’s first-round series against the Boston Bruins, took the Panthers on a run for the ages by winning 12 of his first 14 playoff starts while pushing them to the Cup Final.
Unfortunately for Florida, Bobrovsky’s playoff prowess did not carry over into the championship round. He has allowed eight goals through two games and was pulled in Vegas’ 7-2 win in Game 2.
However, as with Tkachuk, there is still time for Bobrovsky to steal the award if he can get Florida back into the series. His resumé is such that if he stands on his head the remainder of the series, and Florida at least forces a Game 7, he could win the award — lest we all forget that Jean-Sébastien Giguère was also pulled in a Cup Fnal game in his Conn Smythe run in 2003.
At these odds, it’s worth a sprinkle still.
Conn Smythe Trophy Sleepers 2024
Mark Stone, RW, Vegas Golden Knights (+1500)
Stone checks all the boxes of a Conn Smythe Trophy candidate, particularly for Vegas. He has also scored huge goals for Vegas all postseason and sits tied for third on the team in points (17) through two Cup Final games.
Stone plays an exceptional two-way game, and it’s been noticeable in the Cup Final. He made a ridiculously skilled play to steal Tkachuk’s pass before beating Bobrovsky for a goal in Game 1, then set up Brett Howden‘s goal in Game 2 that started with another elite defensive play.
Stone is renowned for his leadership since he wears the ‘C,’ which will come into play if the Golden Knights defeat the Panthers in short order in the Final. Plus, he is Canadian, which will enter the conversation if it comes down to Stone or Eichel.
He may not have the same case he did earlier in the postseason, but there’s still a chance, and case, for Stone if he can keep up the offense and add a couple of big goals.
