The Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded annually to the most valuable player during the National Hockey League's (NHL) Stanley Cup playoffs, has a history steeped in recognizing exceptional performance, regardless of the ultimate outcome for the player's team. Presented since 1965, the trophy is named after Conn Smythe, a former coach, manager, and owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. While the vast majority of recipients have hoisted the Stanley Cup alongside their teammates, a select few have earned the honor despite their team falling short in the final round. These instances, though rare, highlight individual brilliance and leadership in the face of defeat.
To date, only six players have won the Conn Smythe Trophy while playing for the losing team in the Stanley Cup Final. These instances underscore the idea that individual brilliance can shine even in defeat. These players' performances were so outstanding that the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, responsible for selecting the winner, deemed them the most valuable despite their team's loss.
The inaugural instance occurred in 1966 when goaltender Roger Crozier of the Detroit Red Wings was awarded the trophy. Crozier's stellar play had been instrumental in the Red Wings' journey to the final, where they ultimately lost to the Montreal Canadiens in six games. Two years later, in 1968, Glenn Hall, another exceptional goaltender playing for the St. Louis Blues, received the trophy despite his team's defeat.
In 1976, Reggie Leach of the Philadelphia Flyers became the first and, until recently, only skater to win the Conn Smythe on a losing team. Leach had an incredible scoring run, setting a league record with 19 goals in the playoffs, including a five-goal game in the semifinals. However, his efforts weren't enough to prevent the Montreal Canadiens from sweeping the Flyers in the final.
Ron Hextall, also of the Philadelphia Flyers, joined this distinctive group in 1987. As a goaltender, Hextall displayed remarkable skill and tenacity throughout the playoffs, but his team was defeated by the Edmonton Oilers in a hard-fought seven-game series.
It would be several years before another player would experience the bittersweet honor of winning the Conn Smythe in a losing effort. In 2003, Jean-Sébastien Giguère, the goaltender for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, earned the trophy despite his team's loss to the New Jersey Devils in the final. Giguère's outstanding performance in net captivated fans and earned him widespread recognition.
Most recently, in 2024, Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers added his name to this list. McDavid's exceptional performance throughout the playoffs, where he set a new playoff record for assists, was recognized with the trophy, even though the Florida Panthers defeated his Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. McDavid became only the second skater in NHL history to receive the award while his team lost the final round.
These six instances represent a unique chapter in the history of the Conn Smythe Trophy. They serve as a reminder that individual excellence can be recognized and celebrated, even when team success proves elusive. The performances of these players remain etched in the annals of hockey history, testaments to their skill, determination, and impact on their respective teams during their playoff runs.
