NHL Conn Smythe Trophy winners through the years: Every playoff MVP in history

The Stanley Cup may be the ultimate prize, but the Conn Smythe Trophy tells another story—the tale of the one player who rose above the rest when everything was on the line. Since 1965, it has honored the heartbeat of each postseason run.

From dynastic Canadiens to modern-day icons, the award has tracked the evolution of playoff greatness. Sometimes expected, sometimes surprising, the trophy has marked the NHL’s most defining moments through the lens of individual brilliance.

A goalie’s glove save, a captain’s clutch goal, or a rising star’s breakout run—all immortalized by this coveted cup. Over the decades, its winners have shaped hockey’s legacy one unforgettable spring at a time.

NHL Conn Smythe Trophy winners by year

Who has the most Conn Smythe trophies?

No player in NHL history has owned the Stanley Cup Playoffs quite like Patrick Roy. The Hall of Fame goaltender holds the distinction of winning the Conn Smythe Trophy three times, more than any other player since the award’s inception in 1965.

The Conn Smythe Trophy. (Source: NHL)

He first captured the honor in 1986 as a 20-year-old rookie with the Montreal Canadiens, leading them to a surprise championship. He won it again in 1993, once more with Montreal, anchoring a dominant postseason run.

His third Conn Smythe came in 2001, this time with the Colorado Avalanche, making him the only player to win the award with two different franchises. His rare triple crown of playoff MVP honors stands as a testament to his clutch performances and unwavering presence between the pipes.

Which team has had the most players win the Conn Smythe Trophy?

The Montreal Canadiens lead the NHL in producing Conn Smythe Trophy winners, with nine different players earning the award while playing for the storied franchise.

From legends like Patrick Roy and Guy Lafleur to standout performances by Larry Robinson and Ken Dryden, their dominance during the dynasty years is reflected in the playoff MVP history.

Close behind are other Original Six powerhouses like the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins, but no team matches Montreal’s legacy when it comes to turning postseason excellence into individual recognition. The Habs’ rich playoff tradition continues to shape Conn Smythe history, player by player, year after year.