NHL · 1 hour ago

Ranking the Top 15 Players in the 2025-26 NHL Playoffs

Grant White

Host · Writer

15. Jordan Spence - Ottawa Senators
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: N/A

Probably a name no one expected to find on this list, it's time to pay attention to what Jordan Spence is doing with the Ottawa Senators. The young defenseman led the NHL in expected goals-for rating (min. 1000 minutes played) while notching 31 points and a +15 rating. The Sens young nucleus could surprise, and Spence will be a big reason why.
1. Connor McDavid - Edmonton Oilers
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +1900

While he didn't command the same presence in the Hart Trophy conversation this year, there is no disputing Connor McDavid's all-world talent. McDavid usually reserves his best performances for the playoffs, and we expect that to be the case again in 2026.
2. Nathan MacKinnon - Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +750

Almost nobody can match Nathan MacKinnon's contributions. The Colorado Avalanche captain had another superior campaign, finishing the year with 53 goals and a mind-numbing +57. Expect more of the same in the postseason.
3. Nikita Kucherov - Tampa Bay Lightning
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +1600

Often overlooked as one of the best players in the league, Nikita Kucherov seemingly finds a new level every year. The Tampa Bay Lightning forward remains an integral part of the team success, and could be rewarded with the first Conn Smythe Trophy of his career if the Bolts win it all.
4. David Pastrnak - Boston Bruins
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +10000

The Boston Bruins wouldn't be in the playoffs without David Pastrnak. The right winger had a resurgent campaign, nothing 100 points in 77 games. If the B's hope to go on an extended playoff run, it will be on Pastrnak's back.
5. Andrei Vasilevskiy - Tampa Bay Lightning
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +2200

Andrei Vasilevskiy remains one of the premier goaltenders across the NHL. He's poised to win the second Vezina Trophy of his career, and can be counted on under any circumstances in Tampa Bay.
6. Kirill Kaprizov - Minnesota Wild
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +4500

The highest-paid player in the NHL, Kirill Kaprizov is a magician with the puck on his stick. He led the Minnesota Wild in scoring again this season, totaling 89 points across 78 games. The shifty left winger is a force every time he steps on the ice.
7. Jack Eichel - Vegas Golden Knights
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +3500

Jack Eichel has shed his former reputation and led the Vegas Golden Knights to their fourth straight playoff appearance. Eichel makes everyone around him better, and will be a driving force in the Knights' Stanley Cup quest.
8. Artemi Panarin - Los Angeles Kings
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +20000

Artemi Panarin fell out of favor in New York, only to lead the Los Angeles Kings' renaissance after the Olympic hiatus. The Russian winger tallied 27 points in 26 games in LA, and will be a feature player throughout the Kings' playoff run.
9. Quinn Hughes - Minnesota Wild
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +7500

Since landing with the Minnesota Wild, Quinn Hughes has reasserted himself as one of the best defenseman in the league. Hughes will be called upon frequently in the playoffs and will quickly become a part of the Conn Smythe conversation.
10. Nick Suzuki - Montreal Canadiens
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +8000

The Montreal Canadiens' playoff hopes lie squarely on Nick Suzuki's shoulders. The Habs captain does it all in Montreal, offering a special skillset that typically shines in the postseason.
11. Jason Robertson - Dallas Stars
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +5000

One of the purest goal scorers in the NHL, Jason Robertson, was up to his usual antics this season. The Dallas Stars' forward notched 96 points in 82 games, surpassing the 40-goal plateau for the third time in five seasons.
12. Martin Necas - Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +3000

Martin Necas has endeared himself to the Colorado Avalanche faithful with his elite play in the attacking zone. Necas eclipsed the century mark in points for the first time in his career and is a top Conn Smythe candidate in Colorado.
13. Evan Bouchard - Edmonton Oilers
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +17500

Often the whipping boy in Edmonton, Evan Bouchard, deserves more credit than he gets. The Oilers' rearguard fell just shy of 100 points this season, and should shoulder one of the heaviest workloads among any player.
14. Mitch Marner - Vegas Golden Knights
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +5500

Mitch Marner's first year with the Vegas Golden Knights was a resounding success. The right winger was a point-per-game producer, with the corresponding analytics profile. Marner has a reputation for underperforming in the playoffs, but we expect him to bust out in 2026.
15. Jordan Spence - Ottawa Senators
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: N/A

Probably a name no one expected to find on this list, it's time to pay attention to what Jordan Spence is doing with the Ottawa Senators. The young defenseman led the NHL in expected goals-for rating (min. 1000 minutes played) while notching 31 points and a +15 rating. The Sens young nucleus could surprise, and Spence will be a big reason why.
1. Connor McDavid - Edmonton Oilers
Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: +1900

While he didn't command the same presence in the Hart Trophy conversation this year, there is no disputing Connor McDavid's all-world talent. McDavid usually reserves his best performances for the playoffs, and we expect that to be the case again in 2026.

Ranking the Top 15 Players in the 2025-26 NHL Playoffs

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