NHL: Who will be the best player of the playoffs?

Buzznews

2022-05-04 08:33:30

It’s going to be a tight race in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Which player will lead his team to the big time and win the Conn Smythe Trophy for the best player in the post-season? Here are our favorites to win this prestigious award.

The Colorado Avalanche are favorites to win the 2022 Stanley Cup. Nathan MacKinnon is the cornerstone of the Avalanche. In 2021-22, he recorded 88 points, including 32 goals.

Mikko Rantanen

Mikko Rantanen has also done very well this year, with his 92 points, including 36 goals.

Cale Makar

If the Avalanche make a run in the playoffs, Nazem Kadri (87 points) and Cale Makar (86 points) will also be keys to success.

Darcy Kuemper

And let's not forget goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who has dominated this season. Yes, the Avalanche can win!

Jonathan Huberdeau

And what about the Florida Panthers, Jonathan Huberdeau. His 115 points practically earned him the title of the NHL's leading scorer.

Aleksander Barkov

Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart are two other prolific point producers who could be keys to the Panthers' success.

Anthony Duclair

Let's not forget Anthony Duclair. No one wanted him two years ago, and this season he's scoring goals by the ton, often important ones.

Sergei Bobrovsky

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is also a crucial part of the Panthers' success. He has lost only seven games this season.

Johnny Gaudreau

Gaudreau, Tkachuk or Lindholm could win the MVP award should the Flames win the Stanley Cup.

Jacob Markstrom

Many believe it's possible, especially if goalie Jacob Markstrom steals a few. He has collected nine shutouts in 2021-22.

Sebastien Aho

The Carolina Hurricanes are a special team, where the work is shared. Sebastien Aho continues to lead the way with 81 points.

Frederik Andersen

Frederik Andersen could miss a few games early in the playoffs. If so, he will make a huge difference when he returns.

Auston Matthews

The Toronto Leafs are either believers or laughers. If it were to come, playoff success will come through Auston Matthews. He has scored 60 goals this season.

Mitch Marner

Marner, Nylander, Tavares and Rielly are other important parts of the Leafs success. Will they be able to perform well enough in the playoffs?

Steven Stamkos

There's no way to bet against the two-time Stanley Cup champion Lightning. Steven Stamkos scored a record 106 points in 2021-22.

Nikita Kucherov

Nikita Kucherov has only played 47 games this year for Tampa Bay, yet he has scored 69 points. He's certainly one to watch.

Andrei Vasilevskiy

If Vasilevskiy stands like a wall in front of the net, he will automatically become very, very useful. Maybe THE most valuable!

Connor McDavid

The Oilers have two candidates: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. They will make or break Edmonton's success, plain and simple.

Kirill Kaprizov

Same calculation in Minnesota. Kirill Kaprizov and his 47 goals will do it all. If the Wild advance to the playoffs, it will be because of him.

Sidney Crosby

Some surprises could happen. If the Pittsburgh Penguins win, Sidney Crosby will still fill a crucial role.

Artemi Panarin

For the Rangers, Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin are an explosive trio. Kreider has scored 52 goals this season.

Patrice Bergeron

The Bruins are still thinking about Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, but the chances of them winning are pretty slim.