Top 6 Favorites to Win the 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy

With the Stanley Cup Finals finally upon us and the Boston Bruins facing off against the St. Louis Blues for the Stanley Cup, there is one other award that comes along with the series: the Conn Smythe trophy. As of right now, who are the favorites to win the most valuable player of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs?

6. Vladimir Tarasenko

2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game One / Patrick Smith

Vladimir Tarasenko is far from the front-runner for the Conn Smythe award, but he also isn't the least likely winner. Tarasenko has been extremely lethal on the Blues power play so far in the playoffs, and with a big series and a St. Louis Stanley Cup victory, he could walk away as the most valuable player in the playoffs.

5. David Pastrnak

Columbus Blue Jackets v Boston Bruins - Game Five / Maddie Meyer

David Pastrnak is at the same point as Tarasenko, as they are both elite goal scorers and could turn it on at any given moment. Pastrnak is also not the odds-on favorite to win the Conn Smythe award, but with a big Stanley Cup Final and leading his team to a series victory with a few big goals, the trophy could be handed to him when it's all said and done.

4. Jaden Schwartz

Winnipeg Jets v St Louis Blues - Game Six / Dilip Vishwanat

Jaden Schwartz is having a historical postseason for St. Louis, as his 12 goals put him one shy of tying Brett Hull for the most goals in a single playoffs in franchise history. Schwartz will need a big series to put himself ahead of his goalie for the favorite to win the Conn Smythe if the Blues win the Stanley Cup, but the award could easily be his with a single big moment this series such as an overtime winner.

3. Brad Marchand

2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game One / Bruce Bennett

Brad Marchand keeps making his case for why he is the most valuable player in these playoffs, with 19 points so far. The Bruins are nearly perfect when he scores in a playoff game with a 24-1 record in Marchand's career. If Marchand can continue his incredible performance, it may be a no-brainer to give him the Conn Smythe.

2. Jordan Binnington

San Jose Sharks v St Louis Blues - Game Four / Elsa

Jordan Binnington has been the best player on the ice for the Blues since he made his debut back in early January. He led the Blues to the most points in the NHL since Jan. 1, and continued his MVP play into the playoffs. If the Blues win the Stanley Cup and Binnington does not have any major fall off to his play, he will absolutely win the Conn Smythe.

1. Tuukka Rask

Boston Bruins v Toronto Maple Leafs - Game Four / Claus Andersen

Tuukka Rask is proving that not only the Bruins, but the city of Boston can rely on him to carry them to the promised land. With a .940% save percentage and a 1.85 goals against average in the playoffs so far, Rask is the odds on favorite to lift the Conn Smythe as well as the Stanley Cup.