The Edmonton Oilers have been on a tear this season, and if they were to win the Stanley Cup without their superstar captain Connor McDavid, there are several players who could potentially be in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

One player who immediately comes to mind is Leon Draisaitl. The German forward has been a force to be reckoned with this season, leading the team in points and playing a crucial role in the Oilers’ success. Draisaitl’s combination of skill, speed, and hockey IQ make him a dangerous threat on the ice, and if he continues to perform at a high level in the playoffs, he could very well be a front-runner for the Conn Smythe.

Another player to keep an eye on is goaltender Mike Smith. The veteran netminder has been solid between the pipes for the Oilers this season, posting impressive numbers and coming up with big saves when it matters most. If Smith can continue his strong play in the playoffs and help lead the team to a Stanley Cup victory, he would certainly be a strong contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Defenseman Darnell Nurse is also a player who could make a case for the Conn Smythe if the Oilers were to win it all. Nurse has been a key contributor on both ends of the ice this season, logging big minutes and making an impact in all situations. His physicality, defensive prowess, and offensive abilities make him a valuable asset to the team, and if he can continue to elevate his game in the playoffs, he could be a dark horse candidate for the Conn Smythe.

Ultimately, if the Oilers were to win the Stanley Cup without McDavid, it would likely be a team effort with multiple players stepping up and making significant contributions. While McDavid is undoubtedly a huge loss for the team, there are several players who have the potential to shine in his absence and make a strong case for the Conn Smythe Trophy. It will be interesting to see how things unfold as the playoffs progress and which player ultimately emerges as the playoff MVP.