As the NHL playoffs heat up and teams battle it out for the Stanley Cup, the conversation around who will win the Conn Smythe Trophy for the most valuable player in the postseason is also heating up. While many are quick to point to Edmonton Oilers’ superstar Connor McDavid as the frontrunner for the award, there are strong cases to be made for other players to take home the prestigious honor.

One player who deserves serious consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy is Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman. Hedman has been a force on both ends of the ice throughout the playoffs, leading all defensemen in scoring with 15 points in 14 games. His strong defensive play has also been a key factor in shutting down opposing teams’ top scorers, making him a crucial piece of the Lightning’s success.

Another player who could make a strong case for the Conn Smythe Trophy is Colorado Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer. Grubauer has been outstanding between the pipes, posting a .935 save percentage and a 1.85 goals against average in 10 playoff games. His stellar play has been instrumental in the Avalanche’s run to the semifinals, and he has proven himself to be a difference-maker for his team.

Finally, Montreal Canadiens forward Tyler Toffoli is another player who should not be overlooked in the Conn Smythe Trophy conversation. Toffoli has been a consistent offensive threat for the Canadiens, leading the team in goals with seven and points with 13 in 11 playoff games. His clutch scoring and leadership have been instrumental in Montreal’s surprising playoff run, and he has shown that he has what it takes to be a difference-maker on the biggest stage.

While Connor McDavid is undoubtedly one of the best players in the NHL and a strong contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy, it is important to recognize the outstanding performances of other players who have made significant impacts for their teams in the playoffs. Victor Hedman, Philipp Grubauer, and Tyler Toffoli are just a few examples of players who have proven themselves to be invaluable assets to their teams and worthy candidates for the prestigious award. Ultimately, the decision of who will win the Conn Smythe Trophy will come down to their performances in the remaining games of the playoffs, but these players have certainly made a strong case for themselves.