With a few days still left to go before the Colorado Avalanche take on the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, there’s a chance to explore other topics during the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
One of the topics that has invariably come up is that of the Avalanche’s top Conn Smythe Trophy candidates. The Conn Smythe goes to the playoff MVP. And with the contributions the Avs have gotten up and down the lineup, it will be tough to bring the field down to just three candidates.
So, let’s take an early look at the Avalanche’s top three Conn Smythe Trophy candidates.
Top 3 Colorado Avalanche Conn Smythe Candidates
Gabriel Landeskog
Gabriel Landeskog has done everything you’d expect an NHL captain to do. He’s scored, played tough, physical minutes, and led the team by example.
Seeing him play this postseason hardly makes you think he came back from that major knee injury about a year ago.
This postseason, the 32-year-old is essentially a point-per-game player in the playoffs. It’s safe to say that the Avalanche wouldn’t have had the success they’ve achieved without him.
While there may be a temptation to pick Nathan MacKinnon or Martin Necas based on their offensive production, the bottom line is that the best all-around forward for Colorado this postseason has been the captain.
Devon Toews
Devon Toews may not be the first player to jump to the forefront, but there’s a crucial reason for that. And it’s that reason that makes him a solid Conn Smythe candidate.
Toews has kept the entire Avalanche blue line going without a hitch. He’s been every bit the elite shutdown defender that we know he is. Plus, he’s tied with Landeskog with eight points in nine games.
He’s been a workhorse throughout the postseason. He’s averaged well over 22 minutes a night, playing nearly 30 in Game 5 against Minnesota last Wednesday night.
Even if other defensemen like Brett Kulak have had memorable moments this postseason, Conn Smythe voters would be wise to keep an eye on Toews as playoff MVP.
Scott Wedgewood
Despite some seeming ups and downs, Scott Wedgewood has been money in the bank for the Avalanche this postseason. In eight games, he’s won seven, to go with a 2.21 GAA and a .914 SV%.
While a few other goalies have better numbers on paper, they are no longer playing. The only goaltender ahead of Wedgewood, who’s still playing this postseason, is Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes.
It’s worth pointing out that Carter Hart of the Golden Knights has a slightly better save percentage than Wedgewood. But the Avs will have a chance to light him up.
All told, Wedgewood has a chance to become an unlikely Conn Smythe winner. The veteran goalie could end up going from a once-journeyman backup to a decorated Stanley Cup champ.
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