The Hockey Edit

As we get closer and closer to the end of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the discussion around the Conn Smythe Trophy heats up as well. The Conn Smythe honors the playoff MVP — not regular season performance. While we’re only in the second round, one contender has been quietly, but strongly emerging: Mikko Rantanen.

Rantanen’s Road to Dallas

Rantanen’s seen a bit of travel throughout the beginning of 2025. After contract negation disputes, Rantanen was traded in a three way deal to the Carolina Hurricanes in January. Later in March, the Dallas Stars acquired the veteran player. Rantanen seamlessly slotted into Dallas’ top six performers, creating instant chemistry with Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz. Now the Dallas Stars look deeper, faster, and primed to be strong Cup contenders. 

Playoff Stats

Through 10 playoff games, Rantanen has produced 18 points: 9 goals and 9 assists. Including 2 hat trick games back to back and involvement in 15 of the last 16 goals for the Stars. His key moment? Scoring the game 7 overtime winning goal against his former team. 

👉 Watch Rantanen’s impressive hat trick

Elevated Power Play and Transition Game

Offensively, Rantanen has aided the power play for the Stars’. He’s also improved the Stars’ zone entries with his puck control. Mikko Rantanen not only contributes offensively, but aids their defense – winning battles along the boards and supporting their breakout game. 

Rantanen vs. McDavid

No Conn Smythe conversation is complete without Connor McDavid. The Oilers captain is performing just as expected, contributing to goals and assists for the whole team. Yet currently Rantanen has more goals, and arguably more timely ones. McDavid is the engine of the Oilers team, but Rantanen is thriving in a deep, balanced Stars lineup. 

Between these two star players, it could come down to who can maintain their current production and who makes it to the Final. 

Rantanen’s Value is Clear

It’s easy to see that Rantanen has definitely been worth every dollar the Stars’ spent to acquire him. If the Stars make the Final — and Rantanen continues this level of production — he’ll be a serious frontrunner for the Conn Smythe Trophy.