Current MVP

Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars is the current favorite for playoff MVP. His performance against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche, was spectacular, with 11 points in the last three games of the series. He set several records, including becoming the first player in NHL history to record four-point periods in back-to-back games in the regular season or the playoffs.

Other Favorites

There's a gap between Rantanen and Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. Connor was outstanding in the first round, and McDavid has a strong playoff scoring record.

Making Their Cases

William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals are also making significant contributions.

On the Cusp

Players like Evan Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl, Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Wyatt Johnston, Jake Oettinger, Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, Frederik Andersen, Jaccob Slavin, Alex Ovechkin, and Dylan Strome are on the verge of making a bigger impact in the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy.