But there’s another piece of hardware that will be given out and that’s the Conn Smythe Trophy. 

The honor is given to the player deemed to be the most valuable to their team during the postseason. Like many awards in hockey, there is history behind the award and its name. 

Conn Smythe was a prominent figure in the Toronto organization and the trophy was introduced in 1964 in his honor. Since then, the award has been given out 53 times to 46 different players. 

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So who exactly is Conn Smythe? Here is a look behind the name of the NHL’s playoff MVP trophy

Who is Conn Smythe?

Conn Smythe was a former coach, general manager and owner of the Maple Leafs in the early stages of the club. 

Smythe started as a coach at the University of Toronto and had applied to be the Toronto St. Pats coach in 1926, but did not get the job. He continued to coach at the university level before becoming a part owner of the Toronto organization in 1927. He was a part of the group that renamed the club to the Maple Leafs. 

During the first four seasons with the franchise, Smythe was the general manager, team governor and even coached the team as well. He would continue to have multiple roles until the 1931-32 season when he hired Art Duncan as the coach, only to fire him five games into the season and replace him with Dick Irvin. 

Smythe was instrumental in moving the Maple Leafs into a new facility, which came to be the Maple Leafs Gardens. He was also at the helm of the organization in the 1940s and 50s, holding the position of majority owner of the team in addition to remaining as team governor. Eventually in 1962, he would step down from his role as governor and would sell his remaining shares in Maple Leafs Gardens in 1966. 

In total, Smythe was around for eight Stanley Cup wins for the Toronto franchise: 1932, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951 and 1962. 

What is the Conn Smythe Trophy?

The NHL gives out the Conn Smythe Trophy at the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final to the player that is determined to be “the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs.”

This trophy is different from other major professional leagues like the NFL, NBA or MLB. While their MVP is specifically for either the Super Bowl, Finals or World Series, the NHL takes into consideration the entirety of the playoffs when determining the winner of the Conn Smythe. 

Conn Smythe Trophy Winners

2021: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning 2020: Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning 2019: Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Blues 2018: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals 2017: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins 2016: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins 2015: Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks 2014: Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings 2013: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks 2012: Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings 2011: Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins 2010: Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks 2009: Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins 2008: Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings 2007: Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Ducks 2006: Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes 2004: Brad Richards, Tampa Bay Lightning 2003: Jean-Sebastien Giguere*, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 2002: Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings 2001: Patrick Roy, Colorado Avalanche 2000: Scott Stevens, New Jersey Devils 1999: Joe Nieuwendyk, Dallas Stars 1998: Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings 1997: Mike Vernon, Detroit Red Wings 1996: Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche 1995: Claude Lemieux, New Jersey Devils 1994: Brian Leetch, New York Rangers 1993: Patrick Roy, Montreal Canadiens 1992: Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins 1991: Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins 1990: Bill Ranford, Edmonton Oilers 1989: Al MacInnis, Calgary Flames 1988: Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers 1987: Ron Hextall*, Philadelphia Flyers 1986: Patrick Roy, Montreal Canadiens 1985: Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers 1984: Mark Messier, Edmonton Oilers 1983: Billy Smith, New York Islanders 1982: Mike Bossy, New York Islanders 1981: Butch Goring, New York Islanders 1980: Bryan Trottier, New York Islanders 1979: Bob Gainey, Montreal Canadiens 1978: Larry Robinson, Montreal Canadiens 1977: Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens 1976: Reggie Leach*, Philadelphia Flyers 1975: Bernie Parent, Philadelphia Flyers 1974: Bernie Parent, Philadelphia Flyers 1973: Yvan Cournoyer, Montreal Canadiens 1972: Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins 1971: Ken Dryden, Montreal Canadiens 1970: Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins 1969: Serge Savard, Montreal Canadiens 1968: Glenn Hall*, St. Louis Blues 1967: Dave Keon, Toronto Maple Leafs 1966: Roger Crozier*, Detroit Red Wings 1965: Jean Beliveau, Montreal Canadiens

  • Player was a member of the losing team in the Stanley Cup Final.