Stanley Cup Final: Conn Smythe Award Prediction

As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for a rematch against the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, much of the spotlight is on Connor McDavid, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner. However, Leon Draisaitl is also a legitimate candidate for the playoff MVP, offering significant line value and a compelling narrative that could sway voters.

Draisaitl has been instrumental in the Oilers' playoff run, showcasing his offensive prowess and leadership on the ice. While McDavid leads in overall points (by the narrowest of margins - just one point), Draisaitl sits tied with Corey Perry for the team lead in goals scored and his contributions have been pivotal in critical moments, often turning the tide in tightly-contested games. His ability to elevate his play during high-stakes situations underscores his value to the team and strengthens his case for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Currently, Draisaitl's odds to win the Conn Smythe Trophy stand at +750, positioning him as a strong value bet compared to McDavid's favored odds of +110 (odds courtesy DraftKings). This disparity presents an opportunity for bettors seeking a high-reward wager on a player with a significant impact on his team's success, especially with the Oilers currently priced as slight favorites to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup. Should voters decide it's a toss-up between McDavid and Draisaitl the case can certainly be made for giving it to the latter after McDavid won the trophy despite Edmonton falling short one year ago.

In last year's Stanley Cup Final, Draisaitl's performance was underwhelming, recording only three points (two goals and an assist) across seven games. This year's final round offers a chance for redemption and Draisaitl appears poised to seize it. His determination to overcome past shortcomings and lead the Oilers to victory adds a compelling narrative to his Conn Smythe candidacy .

While McDavid remains the frontrunner for the Conn Smythe Trophy, Draisaitl's consistency and game-breaking ability makes him a legitimate contender. Draisaitl's current odds offer substantial value given his knack for coming through with big goals when it matters most and you won't find a bigger stage than this. As the Oilers vie for the Stanley Cup, Draisaitl's contributions could very well tip the scales in his favor for playoff MVP honors.