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Don Cherry Makes Pick for 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy Winner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 6:36 AM ET

With the Florida Panthers just one win away from winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, attention is starting to turn to the Conn Smythe Trophy and who might win the award as the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Panthers roster features at least two worthy candidates in Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, both having the best odds to win the award, but Don Cherry and his son, Tim, struggled to pick the possible winner.

On Episode 312 of "The Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast," Don Cherry called it the toughest Conn Smythe race he’s seen.

“Yeah, I don’t know," Don said. "This would be the toughest one of them all.

Don's son, Tim, believes it will come down to three players, all of whom are from Florida's team, including Bennett, Marchand, and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

“I think it comes down to three," Tim said. "Bobrovsky, Bennett — because he’s leading the NHL in goals in the playoffs — and Marchand."

"You gotta pick one of those guys," Don replied. "I would say Marchand,” Tim said, to which Don agreed, saying Marchand has made the biggest difference for Florida.

Marchand’s trade to the Panthers on March 7 raised eyebrows but has paid massive dividends for Florida on their third consecutive run to the Stanley Cup Final.

Now looking like a franchise-altering deadline move, it's seen the veteran winger score six goals in the finals alone, the most in a series since Esa Tikkanen in 1988, and 20 points through 22 postseason games overall.

Game 6 is scheduled for Tuesday in Sunrise, FL, where a Panthers win will hand Florida its second consecutive championship, while the Conn Smythe Trophy would also be awarded.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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