Conn Smythe Trophy

What Is the Conn Smythe Trophy?

The Conn Smythe Trophy is an annual NHL award presented to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Named after longtime Toronto Maple Leafs owner and builder Conn Smythe, the trophy is also known in French as Trophée Conn-Smythe. Source 1

History and Origins

The award was first given after the 1964–65 playoffs to Jean Béliveau of the Montreal Canadiens. Designed to resemble Maple Leaf Gardens, it is presented on the ice by the NHL Commissioner immediately following the Stanley Cup Final. Source 9

Selection Criteria and Voting

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association vote to select the winner. The trophy recognizes the player judged most valuable to his team throughout the entire postseason and can be awarded to a player on the losing team—five such recipients have been honored to date. Source 6

Multiple-Time Winners

Patrick Roy is the only three-time winner (1993, 1996, 2001). Several players have won the award twice, including Bobby Orr, Bernie Parent, and Mario Lemieux. Source 3

Notable Winners

Connor McDavid won the 2024 Conn Smythe Trophy—the first player from a losing team since 2003—after the Edmonton Oilers fell to the Florida Panthers in the Final. Complete lists of winners are available on Hockey-Reference and NHL.com. Source 4

FAQ

Who has won the Conn Smythe Trophy the most times?
Patrick Roy is the only player to win the award three times.

Can a player on the losing team win the Conn Smythe Trophy?
Yes. Five players have received the trophy despite their team losing the Stanley Cup Final.

When was the first Conn Smythe Trophy awarded?
The inaugural award was presented after the 1965 Stanley Cup Playoffs to Jean Béliveau.

How is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner selected?
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association vote to determine the playoff MVP.

Where can I find the complete list of Conn Smythe Trophy winners?
Full year-by-year results are available on Hockey-Reference.com and NHL.com.

Has the trophy ever been awarded to a college hockey alum?
Yes. Several former NCAA players have gone on to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in the NHL.