WEB CONN SMYTHE TROPHY WINNERS: NHL'S MOST VALUABLE PLAYER IN THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS
A Complete List of Conn Smythe Trophy Winners: Playoffs MVP in NHL History
Background and Overview
Established in 1964 by Maple Leaf Gardens Limited, the Conn Smythe Trophy recognizes the most valuable player (MVP) of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The award honors the legendary former coach Conn Smythe, who led the Toronto Maple Leafs to multiple Stanley Cup victories.
The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded annually to the player deemed to have made the most significant contributions to their team's playoff success. The winner is selected by a panel of professional hockey writers and broadcasters.
Notable Accomplishments
Jean Beliveau of the Montreal Canadiens holds the distinction of being the first-ever Conn Smythe Trophy recipient in 1965. Patrick Roy of the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche is the only player to have won the trophy three times, in 1986, 1993, and 2001.
Other notable Conn Smythe Trophy winners include:
- Wayne Gretzky (1985, 1988)
- Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992)
- Sidney Crosby (2016, 2017)
- Connor McDavid (2017, 2020)
Criteria and Selection Process
The selection criteria for the Conn Smythe Trophy are based on several factors, including:
- Regular season performance during the playoff year
- Playoff performance, including individual statistics and contributions to team success
- Leadership and overall impact on the team's performance
The Conn Smythe Trophy is one of the most prestigious awards in hockey, recognizing the exceptional contributions of players who lead their teams to Stanley Cup glory.
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