Updated Conn Smythe Odds: Connor McDavid Now Heavy Favorite

Edmonton Oilers trail Florida Panthers 3-2 in Stanley Cup Final, but Connor McDavid is heavy favorite for Conn Smythe.

The 2024 Stanley Cup Final is heating up as the Edmonton Oilers find themselves trailing the Florida Panthers 3-2. Despite the deficit, all eyes are on Edmonton captain Connor McDavid, who is the clear frontrunner in the Conn Smythe odds. With back-to-back four-point games, McDavid is priced at -200 to win the NHL Playoff MVP trophy, showcasing his dominance on the ice.

The question on everyone's mind is whether McDavid will secure the Conn Smythe, regardless of the series outcome. While he may be the favorite, there are still some longshots worth considering for those looking to place a bet. Let's delve into the updated Conn Smythe odds and offer our predictions for what's to come.

After Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, McDavid's -200 odds give him an implied win probability of 63.6% at DraftKings. This significant shift from his previous +700 odds after Game 4 highlights the impact of his stellar performances. However, the Panthers remain the -330 favorites in the Stanley Cup odds, adding an element of uncertainty to the mix.

McDavid's journey to the Conn Smythe Trophy began with +200 odds, reflecting a 33% implied chance of victory. Fast forward to the present, and McDavid's odds have drastically improved to -200 (63.6%), solidifying his position as a top contender for the MVP title. With a record-breaking 42 points in 23 playoff games, McDavid's exceptional play has set him apart from the competition.

While McDavid's dominance on the ice is undeniable, the Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded for the entire postseason, not just the Final. Despite some quieter moments earlier in the playoffs, McDavid's recent performances have been nothing short of exceptional. The possibility of a Conn Smythe win for McDavid, even in the event of a series loss, is not out of the question, given his historic contributions to the Oilers' playoff run.

As we assess the field of contenders, it's clear that McDavid's teammates pale in comparison to his remarkable playoff performance. While players like Aleksander Barkov and Sergei Bobrovsky have shown flashes of brilliance, they have struggled to match McDavid's impact on the ice. Matthew Tkachuk emerges as a potential dark horse candidate, with a strong showing in Game 5 hinting at his ability to make a late push for the Conn Smythe.

In the end, the Conn Smythe race appears to be McDavid's to lose, with his -200 odds reflecting his status as the favorite. However, with unpredictable twists and turns in the Stanley Cup Final, anything can happen. As the drama unfolds on the ice, fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see who emerges as the ultimate playoff MVP.