Why did Connor McDavid win Conn Smythe Award?

In the annals of NHL history, only one skater had managed to win the Conn Smythe Trophy after falling short in the Stanley Cup Final prior to 2024—a testament to the monumental effort required to achieve such a feat.

But then, there’s Connor McDavid.

Widely regarded as the game’s premier talent today, McDavid is steadily carving his path to legendary status in hockey. While a Stanley Cup victory still eludes him, the Oilers’ captain can now add the 2024 Conn Smythe Trophy to his accolades. This honor recognizes McDavid as the most valuable player of the playoffs—a testament to his exceptional performance under pressure.

McDavid came tantalizingly close to pulling off an improbable comeback against the Panthers. After Edmonton clawed their way back from a 3-0 series deficit, forcing a decisive Game 7, they ultimately fell short of securing the fourth and final victory. Despite the Oilers’ ultimate defeat, McDavid’s postseason campaign stood among the greatest in recent memory. He even approached the illustrious record set by Wayne Gretzky for the most playoff points in a single postseason—a testament to his relentless skill and determination on the ice.

 

Conn Smythe winners on losing teams

Six NHL players have now achieved the rare honor of winning the Conn Smythe Trophy despite ending up on the losing side, with Connor McDavid recently joining this exclusive club.

Before 2024, the last instance of a member from the losing team earning playoff MVP in the Stanley Cup Final occurred in 2003. Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere received the Conn Smythe after the Devils defeated the Ducks in a seven-game championship series. Giguere’s stellar performance included a remarkable 1.62 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage, with five shutouts during the 2003 playoffs, including three in the Western Conference Final against the Wild.

The previous skater to claim playoff MVP on the losing side was Reggie Leach in 1976, while playing for the Flyers. Despite Philadelphia’s loss to the Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Final, Leach led the league with 19 goals and 24 points, marking a standout individual performance in defeat. He remains the only skater ever to win the Conn Smythe as a member of the losing team.

Here’s a closer look at every Conn Smythe winner who has been part of the losing squad in NHL history.