Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes and Auston Matthews of the Colorado Avalanche are among the leading contenders for the 2026 Conn Smythe Trophy, as the NHL playoffs enter their final stages. The award, given to the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, has seen intense competition with several standout performances, particularly from players on the four remaining teams: the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, and Vegas Golden Knights. With the conference finals set to begin this week, the race for playoff MVP has narrowed significantly, though the unpredictability of high-stakes hockey remains a defining factor.
Andersen’s Clutch Performances Anchor Hurricanes’ Run
Andersen, the Hurricanes’ veteran goaltender, has been a cornerstone of their playoff success, posting a 1.12 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage through 10 games. His 8-0 record in the postseason includes two shutouts and a .925 save percentage on high-danger shots, according to NHL EDGE data. The 36-year-old’s consistency has been critical as the Hurricanes swept the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round, with Andersen stopping 191 of 201 shots across the series—including a 43-save performance in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The Hurricanes now face the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Final, a series that begins May 23 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Canadiens, who defeated the Boston Bruins in seven games, enter the series with a 3-2 advantage in the series standings, having won three of their last four games. Andersen’s ability to manage the Canadiens’ top line—featuring Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield—will be crucial, as Montreal’s offense has averaged 3.1 goals per game in the playoffs.
“Andersen’s experience and composure under pressure have been invaluable,” said a Hurricanes official. “He’s the reason we’re still in this race. The way he’s handled the Canadiens’ power play in practice has been a game-changer. We’re going to need every ounce of that to close this out.”
Marner’s Offensive Prowess Leads Golden Knights
On the offensive end, Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner has emerged as a frontrunner, leading the playoffs with 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 10 games. His performance in the first two rounds, including a game-winning goal in Game 6 against the Anaheim Ducks, has drawn praise from analysts and teammates alike. Marner’s ability to adapt to different roles—shifting between wing and center—has been a key factor in Vegas’ success, especially after captain Mark Stone’s injury sidelined him for the final three games of the second round.
Stone, who suffered a lower-body injury in Game 5 of the second round, is expected to return for the Western Conference Final against the Avalanche, which begins May 25 at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The Golden Knights’ roster depth has been tested without Stone, but Marner has stepped up with 13 points in the last six games, including a two-goal performance in Vegas’ 5-3 win over the Ducks in Game 7. The series against Colorado will be a physical battle, with the Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar leading a team that has outscored opponents 28-14 in the playoffs.
“Marner’s impact is undeniable,” said a Golden Knights coach. “He’s the heartbeat of our offense, and his leadership is what’s keeping us going. The way he’s elevated his game without Stone has been incredible. Now, we just need him to do the same against MacKinnon and Makar.”
Matthews and the Avalanche’s Depth
The Colorado Avalanche, despite being the top seed in the Western Conference, have relied on a balanced attack, with Matthews contributing 12 points in 10 games. The 29-year-old forward, who was traded to Colorado in a blockbuster deal last summer, has been consistent in high-stakes moments, including a hat trick in Game 4 against the St. Louis Blues. His ability to elevate his game in the playoffs has positioned him as a strong candidate for the Conn Smythe.
Matthews’ recent form has been particularly notable, as he has recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine playoff games. The Avalanche’s series against the Golden Knights will be a test of their defensive structure, as Vegas has averaged 2.9 goals per game in the playoffs. Colorado’s defense, led by Erik Johnson and Cale Makar, has allowed just 1.8 goals per game, but the pressure of a potential Stanley Cup Final will be a new challenge.
“Matthews has been a difference-maker,” said an Avalanche executive. “His scoring touch and playmaking ability are why we’re still in this tournament. The next step is making sure he can carry that into the Final if we get there.”
Competitive Field and Key Matchups
The Conn Smythe race has been further complicated by the depth of talent across the remaining teams. The Montreal Canadiens’ Jake Evans and the Vegas Golden Knights’ Shea Theodore have also made significant contributions, with Evans tallying 10 points and Theodore posting a +15 plus-minus rating. The playoffs’ physicality and unpredictability mean that any player could emerge as the winner, depending on their performance in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Canadiens, who will host the Hurricanes in Game 2 of their series, have been particularly effective on the power play, converting at a 28% clip in the playoffs. Evans, who has played a key role in Montreal’s offensive resurgence, will be matched up against Carolina’s defense, which has allowed just 1.9 goals per game in the playoffs. The Hurricanes’ ability to shut down the Canadiens’ top line will be critical, as they look to avoid a sweep.
Meanwhile, the Golden Knights’ defense has been a bright spot in their playoff run, with Theodore leading the team in ice time and recording two goals and five assists in the last five games. Vegas’ ability to contain the Avalanche’s offense will be a deciding factor in the Western Conference Final, as Colorado’s top line has been nearly unstoppable in the playoffs.
“It’s a wide-open race,” said a league analyst. “The player who steps up in the final series will likely take home the trophy. But right now, Andersen, Marner, and Matthews are the ones setting the pace.”
The final four teams will face off in the conference finals, with the Stanley Cup Final set for June. As the playoffs progress, the Conn Smythe Trophy race will continue to evolve, with each player’s performance under the brightest lights determining the ultimate winner. The next two weeks will be decisive, as the remaining teams battle for hockey’s ultimate prize.
