2026 Stanley Cup Final & Conn Smythe Predictions

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are winding down with just two teams remaining. The Carolina Hurricanes made easy work of the Eastern Conference, while the Vegas Golden Knights had a tough path through the Western Conference, topped off by sweeping the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche.

The writers here at The Hockey Writers have cast their vote on the Cup Final matchup, as well as the tight Conn Smythe race.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vegas Golden Knights Predictions

Carolina Hurricanes: 57.9% of votes
Vegas Golden Knights: 42.1% of votes

The Hurricanes haven’t given anybody any reason to doubt them. After eight years of being on the verge of greatness, the Hurricanes finally made it over the Eastern Conference Final hurdle. Of course, playing the Rod Brind’Amour shutdown system helps the team suffocate their opponent, but the offensive production and outstanding goaltending have gotten them to this point, and they lead as the favourite in this series.

The Golden Knights took a bumpier path to get here. After an underwhelming regular season, they took down the Utah Mammoth and Anaheim Ducks through two rounds, and were congratulated by having to face the Avalanche, who appeared to be a juggernaut.

While injuries plagued the Avalanche, full credit has to be given to John Tortorella and the Golden Knights. They went from a team that struggled to find their game to being a feared playoff opponent once again.

CAR in 6 Games: 52.6% of votes
VGK in 6 Games: 31.6% of votes
VGK in 7 Games: 10.5% of votes
CAR in 5 Games: 5.3% of votes

It would be a bit of a shock to see a short series here, but that was probably said many times ahead of both teams’ last matchup. As mentioned above, what reason have the Hurricanes given to show that they will lose to the Golden Knights? Their one loss through three rounds can be broken down into one bad period after a two-week break.

The Golden Knights are in the same boat. Everything is working for them.

Seeing this series go any less than six games would be a disappointment. These are two top-end franchises with their sights set on nothing but a Stanley Cup.

It will be fun to see how these teams match up. Of course, the Golden Knights have always taken the ruthless win-now approach, while the Hurricanes are the epitome of patience and following the process, learning from their mistakes.

Conn Smythe Trophy Prediction

There are a ton of options for the Conn Smythe Trophy this season. The playoff MVP is usually the biggest standout in the Stanley Cup Final, but with the first three rounds done, some players stand above the rest.

Leading the way in voting was Mitch Marner. The Golden Knights have been blessed with a fantastic playoff run from Marner, who has thrown away all of the accusations of not being able to perform in the playoffs. It seems poetic that after his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Marner is able to put together a potential Conn Smythe-winning postseason.

Next up in voting was a tie between Frederik Andersen and Logan Stankoven.

Andersen has only allowed more than two goals once in these playoffs. While the great defensive structure sure helps with that, he needs to be given credit, too. Despite the great shot suppression, he is still sharp when he needs to be, and has done everything asked of him.

For Stankoven, he has cemented himself in the conversation of the best playoff performers. In just three NHL seasons, he has been to the Western Conference Final, the Eastern Conference Final twice, and the Stanley Cup Final. With nine goals through 13 games, Stankoven has taken over the playoffs for the Hurricanes’ offence and is the centre on the most threatening line throughout the entire postseason.

A few other players received votes, including Jackson Blake, Carter Hart, and Jack Eichel. All three also deserve credit for what they have done for their teams, but Taylor Hall especially.

There have been so many great individual performances for both teams, but Hall has been one of the best stories. Through a rollercoaster of a career, Hall is putting up, without a doubt, the best postseason run of his career. He leads the Hurricanes in points and shows up in the big moments. Would a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe make Hall a legitimate Hall of Fame candidate?