NHL Betting: Conn Smythe Futures Picks

The second round of the NHL playoffs is nearly decided, with only the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes remaining. With only the conference finals and Stanley Cup Final remaining following Monday’s Game 7, the Conn Smythe Trophy picture is starting to get a bit clearer. This betting guide will offer some of the best value plays for who will be the most valuable player this postseason.

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (+500)

Connor McDavid led everybody in points after the first round, and the Edmonton Oilers star didn’t disappoint in his team’s second-round series against the Calgary Flames. McDavid still leads the way in points in the playoffs, tied with teammate Leon Draisaitl with 26. They’re 11 points ahead of the third-place scorer – who is teammate Evander Kane.

Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

McDavid has shown his ability to come up with big goals, scoring the series-clinching winner in overtime of Game 5 against the Flames. He has at least a point in every game he’s played this postseason, except for one, and has multiple points in 10 of his 12 playoff games. He should be the favorite, but that’s just good news for bettors. Getting 5-to-1 odds for him to win the postseason MVP (+500) is oozing with value if the red-hot Oilers keep rolling.

Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers (+3,500)

If you think McDavid’s odds are favorable, get a load of Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers’ other household name has been as electric as anybody else in the playoffs, McDavid included. The fact that his odds are seven times as long as McDavid’s is ridiculous, particularly since he has some great potential going forward based on his opponents.

Draisaitl has 23 points in 17 career games against the Colorado Avalanche and has 14 career points in 12 career games against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He also has more points than games played against both the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers. Getting through the Avalanche will be a tall order, but getting in on Draisaitl at these odds could result in a huge payday.

Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning (+550)

If the last two years of Andrei Vasilevskiy in the playoffs didn’t impress you, then the last round against the Florida Panthers should have. The Tampa Bay netminder showed his postseason prowess again, dominating the second round with another series-clinching shutout.

Andrei Vasilevskiy Tampa Bay Lightning
Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Vasilevskiy hasn’t given up more than one goal in his last five playoff games and is really starting to get dialed in. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy after the 2020-21 postseason, and he looks like he’s in form to do it again. The fact that he’s still getting positive odds north of 5-to-1 is ridiculous value, considering he’s been the most important player on the team that’s looked the best throughout the first two rounds.

Odds via Covers.com

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