Marner's historic hat trick solidifies Conn Smythe debate - Markets point towards Marner as favourite

Mitch Marner’s status as the overwhelming favourite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy has been boosted as a direct result of his performance in Game 3 of the Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes series, where he recorded the fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history by scoring three times in just under six minutes and 10 seconds. 

Looking at the playoffs as a whole, Marner has also built one of the strongest statistical cases. He leads the Golden Knights with 28 points, sits just behind Brett Howden in goals with 10, and is tied with Jack Eichel for the team lead in assists with 18. 

When weighing the most valuable player of the playoffs so far, it is easy to see why betting sites have placed Marner at the top of the list. 

Marner has been one of Vegas’ most reliable offensive pieces throughout the postseason, and his historic Game 3 hat trick only strengthened his case after setting a new Stanley Cup Final record. 

Taylor Hall, unlike Marner, has not built the same offensive case in the Stanley Cup Final itself. However, like Marner, his stronger argument comes from what he has done across the full 2026 NHL playoffs. 

Hall leads the Hurricanes in playoff scoring with 17 points, while also sitting tied with Jackson Blake for the team lead in assists with 11. He also ranks just behind Logan Stankoven in goals, with six compared to Stankoven’s ten. 

His Conn Smythe case is also helped by narrative. Hall is in his 16th NHL season after debuting in 2010, giving him the type of veteran storyline that can elevate an MVP case if Carolina goes on to win the Stanley Cup. 

This helps explain why Hall may still be viewed as a more likely Conn Smythe candidate than Stankoven, even with Stankoven narrowing the gap statistically.

Stankoven has been the more efficient goal scorer and has made a stronger impact as a finisher in this series, while Hall’s value has come more through overall production, playmaking, and sustained offensive involvement throughout the playoff run. 

If the Conn Smythe race ultimately follows the team that wins the Stanley Cup, and the Hurricanes go on to lift the trophy, the MVP debate could come down to how Hall and Stankoven perform over the remaining games.