*Note: Stats courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are now underway! A few games into the postseason, it's still too early to put much stock into which players have paid dividends thus far. However, today we will look at the larger picture and rank which players have the best chance of lifting the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2026 playoffs. (As we ranked the Top 10 Fantasy Playoff Goalies last week, netminders will not be included in this ranking.)

10. Brandon Hagel, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning

On a Tampa Bay Lightning team that is loaded with superstar talent, Brandon Hagel has stepped up in a big way. Victor Hedman is out of action for an undetermined period, while Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucherov haven't been at their best over their last few playoff appearances. Hagel is one of the team’s stars who has yet to hoist the Stanley Cup, and as a result, he’s been the heartbeat of the team to start their series with Montreal.

9. Wyatt Johnston, C, Dallas Stars

Dallas' young sniper Wyatt Johnston is one of the most underrated stars in this year’s playoffs. He's coming off a 45-goal, 86-point campaign and has shown no signs of slowing down in the postseason. With players like Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen, and Jake Oettinger in the mix, many don't think of Wyatt Johnston when considering MVP candidates, but the 22-year-old deserves to be a part of those conversations. Dallas is considered one of the Stanley Cup favorites, and if they make it there, Wyatt Johnston will play a big part in their success.

8. Tage Thompson, C, Buffalo Sabres

It's been a long time since we have seen the Sabres in the postseason, and the atmosphere in Buffalo hasn't disappointed so far. Despite this, they are a young team who lack experience, and that was evident early on against the Boston Bruins in their first-round matchup. However, Tage Thompson stepped up and willed his team to a game 1 comeback win. Although it's also his first playoff appearance, Thompson will need to have some similar standout performances if he wants to lead a young squad to the Stanley Cup.

7. Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens

The arrival of Lane Hutson last season on Montreal's back end has expedited their rebuild and helped them reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. He already has three points in three games in these playoffs, including an overtime winner. With Noah Dobson out of action and no timetable for his return, Lane Hutson has been tasked with taking on an even bigger role for Montreal in these playoffs. The Canadiens captain, Nick Suzuki, was the team’s regular-season MVP, but at only 22 years old, Hutson hopes to lead the bleu-blanc-rouge to the promised land and earn himself a Conn Smythe to go along with his Calder Trophy.

6. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers

It was a surprise to see Leon Draisaitl in the lineup for game 1 of the postseason as he dealt with an injury that was expected to keep him out of action. Alongside Connor McDavid, he has carried Edmonton's offense for years in both the regular season and the playoffs. He has tallied 147 career playoff points, which is the second-best points per game percentage amongst active players behind only his teammate, McDavid. There's no reason to think that Draisaitl can't help carry Edmonton to postseason glory and earn MVP honors in the process, even if he isn't 100% healthy.

5. Sebastian Aho, C, Carolina Hurricanes

Sebastian Aho and the Hurricanes are no strangers to deep playoff runs. They consistently find themselves in the Eastern Conference Championship but haven't found a way to take that next step. The Hurricanes should have no issue making it through the Metropolitan Division and back to the ECF. They're also considered the favorites to be the Eastern Conference representative in the Stanley Cup Finals. If they make it there, the heartbeat of their offense in Aho should be an MVP favorite.

4. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

It's hard to believe that Connor McDavid still hasn't won the Stanley Cup during his career. He led the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals and even earned the Conn Smythe in 2024 despite a losing effort. McDavid and the Oilers have struggled thus far in their first-round matchup with the Anaheim Ducks, and if they can't shore up their defensive woes, it will be another early exit for Edmonton. Still, if the Oilers can find a way to hoist lord Stanley, it will be because of the likely Hart Trophy winner and league scoring champion in Connor McDavid.

3. Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars

On a team loaded with offensive talent, Jason Robertson continues to be the epitome of offensive consistency for Dallas. He's led the team in points over the last several seasons and he's off to a hot start once again in these playoffs. If the Stars can get out of the Central Division, Robertson will be looked at as a favorite for the MVP award.

2. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche

When the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup back in 2022, Cale Makar won the Conn Smythe at only 23 years old. Now in the prime of his career, he is widely considered the NHL's best defenseman and is a minute muncher for Colorado. To nobody’s surprise, his team is currently on the verge of sweeping the Los Angeles Kings in their first-round series. As they put the finishing touches on the series and await the winner of Dallas and Minnesota, Makar will receive some invaluable rest. He will continue to be heavily relied upon for Colorado throughout their playoff run, and there's no reason why he can't win another postseason MVP.

1. Nathan Mackinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche

In a series where the Avalanche were heavily favored and hold a commanding lead, Nathan Mackinnon has gotten off to a slow start in these playoffs. He had 127 points in the regular season, which, amazingly enough, is thirteen shy of his career high. Still, Mackinnon is arguably the best player in the league and is far too talented to be held off the scoresheet for long. Colorado is the heavy Stanley Cup favorite, and as a result, their top player should be considered the Conn Smythe favorite. 

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