With the Stanley Cup playoffs advancing into the high-stakes conference finals, focus is turning on the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy , awarded to the NHL's most valuable post-season performer. While several stars have risen during this playoff run, Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars leads the charge in form. His constant effect on the scoreboard and in critical moments puts him ahead of the pack in this thrilling MVP race.
Dominant Mikko Rantanen's surge for the Dallas Stars
Mikko Rantanen stands tall as the Conn Smythe and Playoffs' leading candidate after the two massive postseason rounds in Rantanen's favor. Plagued with 19 points, including 9 goals taken through 13 games, Rantanen was shifted from mere scoring to shattering playoff records. His almost record-breaking shred in Dallas' attack saw him involved in 15 of their first 16 goals, and more outrageous still, he led the NHL record in being involved in 13 consecutive goals.
His backstory adds another dimension to the whole situation. Traded halfway through the season from Colorado, Rantanen returned to face his old team in Round 1 and put them to the torch. He then proceeded to get a hat trick against Winnipeg in Round 2 to cement his credentials. Despite fading slightly in Round 2's dying minutes, it's his spectacular dominance in the early rounds that will secure the vote of many.
Other challengers keeping pace
Here comes Frederik Andersen stepping right behind Rantanen. Before the start of the conference finals, Andersen had a 1.36 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage. Despite his stuttering in Game 1 against Florida, his previous centers-of-attention performances, especially those against Washington, continued to keep him in the very real MVP conversation.
Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers remains a strong had-to-consider candidate. His influence is undeniable, with 17 points in 11 games and the highest points per game in the league among remaining players. The deeper lineup of Edmonton this year may take away somewhat from the spotlight shining on him compared to what it has been the past few years.
Jake Oettinger and Leon Draisaitl have also made their share of highlights with timely plays, Dallas Netminder in elimination games, including Game 7 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against Winnipeg, and Draisaitl with two overtime-winning goals, are testaments to their importance in their team's respective drives.
Increasing threats approaching
As the playoffs progress, names like Sergei Bobrovsky and Brad Marchand (Florida Panthers), Andrei Svechnikov and Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes), and even Seth Jones have started picking up steam. If Bobrovsky keeps this form, however, then he will surely move higher through the Eastern Conference Final.
Also Read: Did Mikko Rantanen just end Josh Morrissey's season? NHL faces heat over possible suspension call
While other stars can showcase elite performances, Rantanen's fertile mixture of production, storyline, and substance sets him apart from the rest in the Conn Smythe run. However, with lots still to be played, the race is still wide open, and one big moment could turn everything around.
Dominant Mikko Rantanen's surge for the Dallas Stars
Mikko Rantanen stands tall as the Conn Smythe and Playoffs' leading candidate after the two massive postseason rounds in Rantanen's favor. Plagued with 19 points, including 9 goals taken through 13 games, Rantanen was shifted from mere scoring to shattering playoff records. His almost record-breaking shred in Dallas' attack saw him involved in 15 of their first 16 goals, and more outrageous still, he led the NHL record in being involved in 13 consecutive goals.
MIKKO RANTANEN IS RED HOT 🔥
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 11, 2025
HE'S GOT HIS LEAGUE-LEADING NINTH GOAL OF THE PLAYOFFS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/8qnxXLXFa0
His backstory adds another dimension to the whole situation. Traded halfway through the season from Colorado, Rantanen returned to face his old team in Round 1 and put them to the torch. He then proceeded to get a hat trick against Winnipeg in Round 2 to cement his credentials. Despite fading slightly in Round 2's dying minutes, it's his spectacular dominance in the early rounds that will secure the vote of many.
Other challengers keeping pace
Here comes Frederik Andersen stepping right behind Rantanen. Before the start of the conference finals, Andersen had a 1.36 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage. Despite his stuttering in Game 1 against Florida, his previous centers-of-attention performances, especially those against Washington, continued to keep him in the very real MVP conversation.
Mikko Rantanen leads the #StanleyCup Playoffs in goals (9) and points (18) — is he your Conn Smythe Trophy front-runner?
— NHL (@NHL) May 12, 2025
Make Your Pick presented by @CanadianTire pic.twitter.com/R2Dvg4cG0x
Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers remains a strong had-to-consider candidate. His influence is undeniable, with 17 points in 11 games and the highest points per game in the league among remaining players. The deeper lineup of Edmonton this year may take away somewhat from the spotlight shining on him compared to what it has been the past few years.
Jake Oettinger and Leon Draisaitl have also made their share of highlights with timely plays, Dallas Netminder in elimination games, including Game 7 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against Winnipeg, and Draisaitl with two overtime-winning goals, are testaments to their importance in their team's respective drives.
Increasing threats approaching
As the playoffs progress, names like Sergei Bobrovsky and Brad Marchand (Florida Panthers), Andrei Svechnikov and Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes), and even Seth Jones have started picking up steam. If Bobrovsky keeps this form, however, then he will surely move higher through the Eastern Conference Final.
Also Read: Did Mikko Rantanen just end Josh Morrissey's season? NHL faces heat over possible suspension call
While other stars can showcase elite performances, Rantanen's fertile mixture of production, storyline, and substance sets him apart from the rest in the Conn Smythe run. However, with lots still to be played, the race is still wide open, and one big moment could turn everything around.
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