The captivating and ultra-competitive chase for the Stanley Cup is very much on and it's safe to say we're in store for a fully frenetic stretch of intense NHL action over the coming days. With postseason vibes permeating hockey heads across the continent, this week's top-10 list features a look into the second-hardest trophy to win in the game with a breakdown of this spring's biggest threats to take home the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoff MVP.

A quick glance at the list of recent winners reveals a few common characteristics in terms of the type of player capable of etching their name on one of the most impressive trophies in all of North American sports: elite-level talent, performing in the clutch, and the ability to carry a team through four rounds of high-octane hockey. Who has what it takes to elevate their game to the next level this spring and put their name along with such past winners and some of the greatest to ever do it with the likes of Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Lidstrom, Patrick Roy, and other legends?

Only time will tell, but we're serving up our favourite 10 players with the best shot – and odds – to take home the prestigious trophy this postseason.

10) Frederik Andersen, Goaltender, Carolina Hurricanes (+2500)

Let's get it out of the way early so this list makes even more sense: we have the Dallas Stars facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes in this year's Stanley Cup Final, with the Stars taking home the second-ever Cup in franchise history. Clearly, there's going to be a lot of names from the Dallas and Carolina rosters – for good reason. These are two of the most complete teams in the NHL. Balanced from top-to-bottom, each with great goaltending, stingy blue-lines, and the option to roll three lines of offensive firepower.

Carolina is legit and as their starting netminder, Freddie deserves to catch a spot on this list. Actually, despite his past plight as a much-maligned goaltender with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Andersen has pretty solid numbers in the postseason as a 33-26 record, .918 save percentage, and 2.42 goals-against average would indicate.

9) Roope Hintz, Centre, Dallas Stars (+3000)

After a big regular-season of a career-high 75 points and a sensational playoff performance to the tune of 24 points in 19 games last year, expectations for Roope Hintz headed into this campaign were sky high – especially in fantasy circles. Even though Hintz fell far short of those lofty standards with a so-so showing of 65 points this season, he's a special player who's proven he can rise to the occasion and score big goals when it matters most. Hintz has 49 points in 63 career playoff games and is one of only a handful of players to have scored at even strength, on the power play, and penalty kill in the same postseason game. He's got big-game potential and if the Stars go on the run we expect, Hintz is very much worthy of being billed as a Conn Smythe threat.

8) Matthew Tkachuk, Winger, Florida Panthers (+2200)

Say what you will about the Florida Panthers and Matthew Tkachuk overall, but when games get tight and all is on the line, Tkachuk and the Cats show up. They proved this season that last spring's run to the dance was no fluke and when Florida is rolling, a lot of their swagger and energy pulses through No. 19. Much like a number of other players on this list, Tkachuk has proven to be a big-game performer, getting it done in the clutch while playing with an edge and the energy needed to get wins in April, May, and June. If Tkachuk can be the game changer he was last playoffs, one in which he put up 24 in 20, this Florida team is going to be an extremely tough out.

7) Artemi Panarin, Left Wing, New York Rangers (+1900)

Not only is Panarin coming off a career year with a stellar 49 goals and 71 assists, but he's on a really deep Rangers club that has all the makings of a champion, making him a must-add to our list. New York should have its way with a Washington Capitals team that has most definitely punched above its weight class all season, meaning Panarin might be a steal at +1900 should you throw down a couple coins on the shifty Russian to take home postseason MVP honours.

6) Jason Robertson, Left Wing, Dallas Stars (+3000)

Much like his Dallas teammate in Hintz with big 2022-23 regular and postseason performances, Robertson followed them up this campaign with a relatively quiet 80-point showing. However, considering his skillset, tendency to perform in the clutch, and makeup of his squad as a whole, Robertson is very much a dark horse for this trophy. Robo Cop will be a major catalyst for this Stars push, one in which we expect to last well into May.

5) Igor Shesterkin, Goaltender, New York Rangers (+1700)

When Igor Shesterkin is on his game he's the best goalie in the NHL. Following up a slow start with a blistering second half, Shesterkin is finding his game at the most important time of the NHL calendar. Shesty registered a .915 SV.% to go along with four shutouts and a 21-10-2 record but more importantly, he looked much more like his Vezina-level self while clearly feeling more comfortable in the cage and getting much better reads on shots. This season really does feel like it could be the Rangers’ year, and if we had to select another Eastern Conference team as our top Cup pick, New York is definitely deserving. That makes their all-world No. 1 goaltender very worthy of inclusion on our list. Don't sleep on Shesterkin.

4) Jake Guentzel, Left Wing, Carolina Hurricanes (+2000)

Front-office savant Don Waddell swung for the fences this NHL trade deadline with the bold acquisition of Jake Guentzel and it's already paid off in spades. Guentzel has fit in seamlessly alongside Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, forming the most offensively potent top line the Carolina Hurricanes have deployed in a long time. They're clicking heading into the season and a lot of that is running through Guentzel, who put up 25 points in 17 games down the stretch for Carolina. Guentzel is a proven winner and basically a point-per-game player with 57 of them in 58 career playoff tilts, expect him to drive this Hurricanes' offense all playoffs long.

3) Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers, (+1000)

Likely a name that deserves to be on any award list top 10, McDavid is the best player on the planet, he just became the fourth player in history with 100 assists, and the Oilers have an excellent shot at sticking around till at least the third round. MVP discussions don't happen without McJesus in the mix, bottom line. In terms of Vegas, he's currently the betting favourite at +1000.

2) Sebastian Aho, Centre, Carolina Hurricanes (+2000)

Carolina and Dallas in the Stanley Cup Final means a Cane and Star at top of this list. Sebastian Aho might be the most underrated superstar in the NHL today, quietly going about his business to the tune of 36 goals and 53 assists this season, registering a career-high in points with 89. The Jarvis-Aho-Guentzel line is cooking, Carolina's defense allowed the least shots-against per game in the NHL this regular season, and Freddie Andersen has been feeling himself since returning from blood-clotting issues. The positive vibes in Raleigh are very much real, as Carolina is poised for a deep run.

1) Jake Oettinger, Goaltender, Dallas Stars (+3000)

There were countless fantasy hockey GMs ready to bail on Jake Oettinger this season following a slow start, but shout out to everyone who held onto him, Oettinger turning around a poor first half with a sensational second has been a major factor in the Stars coming into this as underdogs. The young American goalie racked up wins in 11 of his last 12 while finishing the NHL regular season with a 35-14-4 record, three shutouts, and a .905 SV.%. Oettinger will need to carry over his second-half showing in order for this number-one pick to hold true and, more importantly, put Dallas in position to win the second Cup banner in franchise history.