Stanley Cup playoffs: Top five Conn Smythe Trophy candidates

If the five-time Art Ross winner continues his strong play, his Oilers could advance very far, and he could once again see himself as the Conn Smythe awardee.

Leon Draisaitl | Forward | Edmonton Oilers

Like his Oiler counterpart, Leon Draisaitl has been a big part of Edmonton's six-game win streak. His goal in Game 2 gave the Oilers a 2-0 series lead, and now, they will head back home with a chance to advance to the conference finals.

With 13 points in eight games, Draisaitl has played a huge role in Edmonton's success. He will, however, have to contend with McDavid for the Conn Smythe, which might hurt his chances. Regardless, Draisaitl is one of this decade's great playoff performers and is proving it once again.

Mikko Rantanen | Forward | Dallas Stars

The former Colorado Avalanche member buried his old team with a hat trick in Game 7 and was integral to the Stars' success in their opening game of round two, scoring another hat trick in a victory against the Winnipeg Jets.

Rantanen currently leads the NHL playoffs in points and doesn't look like he'll be slowing down anytime soon.

He'll have some tough competition with McDavid and Draisaitl, but given the injuries the Stars had to top defenseman Miro Heiskanen and winger Jason Robertson in round one, his heroics should place him at the top of the board for playoff MVP.

William Nylander | Forward | Toronto Maple Leafs

A part of Toronto's so called "core four" consisting of himself, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares, Nylander has been at the top of his game these playoffs with 13 points in eight games (tied for third overall), including two big goals in the clinching Game 6 against Ottawa.

As the Maple Leafs take a 2-0 series lead against the defending champion Florida Panthers into Sunrise, Fla., Nylander will be leaned on to help upset the Cats. If Toronto can do so, Nylander will certainly be a name to watch for the Conn Smythe.

Logan Thompson | Goaltender | Washington Capitals

The former Vegas Golden Knight has been excellent all year for the Capitals, sporting a top-10 save percentage (.910) and landing a six-year contract extension in January. This postseason has been more of the same.

Thompson leads qualified goaltenders with a .931 save percentage and helped secure a 3-1 win Thursday night against Carolina with 27 saves on 28 shots. Since 2013, only one goaltender, Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy (2021), has won the Conn Smythe Trophy. Right now, Thompson's excellent play could make him the second.