Insider reveals the embarrassing process the NHL uses to decide Conn Smythe

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Sam Hutch
June 26, 2024 (8:16)

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An insider has given some behind the scenes information as to why Connor McDavid may have won the Conn Smythe as the NHL's playoff MVP.

When Connor McDavid won the Conn Smythe trophy despite losing in game 7 of the Stanley Cup final, despite not producing during the last two games of the series, there was some debate as to whether or not they got the decision right.

An insider has now given some insight as to why McDavid actually won the trophy. To say that the process the NHL uses is an embarrassing one, would be an understatement.

According to Michael Traikos of The Hockey News, the reason McDavid won the Conn Smythe may have nothing to do with the outcome of the game, but rather the fact that votes for the award were due with 10 minutes left in the final period of game.

This put voters in an awkward situation, what if McDavid and the the Edmonton Oilers came back and won the Stanley Cup?

To anyone complaining about McDavid winning the Conn Smythe, please realize that the votes have to be in by the 10-min mark of the 3rd period. At that time, it was a one-goal game. And if Edmonton had won and McDavid wasn't the MVP, think about what the reaction would have been.

While McDavid had a historic playoff run and likely still deserved the trophy, it's hard to believe that the NHL still has a process so outdated that votes are cast before the outcome of the final game.

If the votes had been cast after the final whistle, does Sergei Bobrovsky get more consideration? Or do the results not change? Regardless for a top 3 league in North America, this is a hilariously bad process to vote for your playoff MVP.