By admin 
Former NHL player and current hockey analyst Mike Johnson believes that Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner is a lock to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, regardless of whether or not Vegas beats the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Read more Extensive Fantasy Basketball Implications of a Derrick White Trade Scenario to Magic
Through four games, the Stanley Cup Finals are all tied up at 2-2 after the Hurricanes pulled off a clutch 5-3 win on June 9 in Las Vegas. The series now heads back to Raleigh for Game 5 on June 11.
Since this series is all tied up, it’s truly a coin flip at this point as to who wins the series. But as far as Johnson goes, the playoff MVP award is already locked up by Marner.
Mike Johnson Makes Case for Mitch Marner as Conn Smythe Lock
Speaking on TSN OverDrive, Johnson made the case for why Marner should be considered a mortal lock to win the Conn Smyth regardless of how the rest of the Stanley Cup Finals play out.
He’s going to win the Conn Smythe.”
“It’s at the point, fellas, and you can tell me if I’m wrong, I don’t think it matters who wins the cup anymore. He’s going to win the Conn Smythe. Even if Carolina comes back and wins it, it’s not going to be Taylor Hall or (Logan) Stankoven or Freddie (Andersen). I think it’s going to be Mitch Marner, no matter what, and it should be,” Johnson said.
“He has (eight points in four games) in this series. He’s been miles and away the best offensive player, plus he’s great defensively, plus, plus, plus. He has been his very best self and then some. And he’s doing it when it matters most, which is what’s so noteworthy for him in his career.”
Related: Maple Leafs Still Feeling the Pain of Mitch Marner Decision
Currently, Marner leads all skaters in the NHL playoffs with 29 points, nine points ahead of his Vegas teammate Jack Eichel, and 11 points more than the Hurricanes’ top point-getter in Hall. Marner is also third in goals, with 10, behind teammate Brett Howden, who has 14, and Stankoven, who has 11.
By the time the Stanley Cup Finals are over, Marner could get to near 40 points if he continues to play the way he has been playing.
Read more Michael Irvin’s Passion For Miami Washes over Recruits During Legends Camp
So, even if Vegas ends up losing the finals to Carolina, Johnson is correct in saying that Marner is the clubhouse leader right now for playoff MVP.
More NHL:
- Dylan Larkin Trade Shocker Puts Major Teams in Play
- Former NHL Star Details Key Reason For Mitch Marner’s Success In Vegas
- Vegas Golden Knights Screwed By ‘Botched Call,’ Claims Analyst
Betting Odds Agree With Mike Johnson
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Marner is a -105 favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
Though he might not be a total lock like Johnson suggested, he is far and away the favorite to win the award. Next up is Hall at +380, Stankoven at +380, and Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal at +550.
After that, you have a bunch of different plays in the four- and five-figure range of odds.
It all goes to say that the oddsmakers believe Marner has a good chance of capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy, and if he does win it, it will be well deserved for a player who was routinely criticized for his playoff performances during his decade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Since joining Vegas this season, Marner has been a man possessed, as he’s tried to rewrite the narrative about his career and prove to everyone that he is indeed one of the best players in the entire sport.
He’s shown it during the playoffs so far. Now, all that’s left to do is to help Vegas get two more wins and hoist the Stanley Cup, the ultimate goal for any hockey player.
Read more What the PSA Pause Does to Slabbed Card Values: Prices Going Up or Down?
Related: Coach Explains Brett Howden’s Breakout in Stanley Cup Finals
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 12:01 PM.