The Edmonton Oilers are tied with the Florida Panthers at one game apiece in their Stanley Cup Final rematch. Both games have gone to overtime, lending credence to the fact that both teams are fairly evenly matched. With the series shifting to Florida for the next two games, and guaranteed to return to Edmonton, there is still much to be decided.
The Oilers have blazed a path through the Western Conference once again, and the journey to this point has had its share of twists and turns. With that in mind we polled our readers: who has been the Oilers playoff MVP so far?
Want to take part in Sunday Census polls? We send them out every week on our Twitter at @oilrigEDM. Follow along or send in ideas for the next poll!
Who has been the Oilers’ MVP so far in this playoff run?
— The Oil Rig (@oilrigEDM) June 7, 2025
Obviously McDavid is essential to the team
Leading the vote is the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner Connor McDavid. It would be no surprise to see the world’s most spectacular player take home the prize once more, even if the Oilers lose again.
Leading the playoffs in assists and points, McDavid has authored another incredible postseason performance. After what was a relatively quiet regular season, and dealing with his share of injuries, McDavid is unflappable as always. Despite the consistency of his exploits, fans clearly are not taking McDavid for granted.
While his individual excellence is never in question, McDavid clearly values team success above all else at this point of his career. While other players struggle to maintain their production in the playoffs, McDavid seems immune to the pressure. Even as he climbs the list of all-time greatness, a Stanley Cup would be fundamental to his legacy going forward.
Draisaitl having a dominant postseason
Never too far behind McDavid, Leon Draisaitl has continued to be an all-time great in his own right. After being hobbled for the latter half of last season’s playoff run, a healthier Draisaitl has been huge for the Oilers.
Second in both goals and points in the playoffs, Draisaitl has been his usual dominant self. More impressive, perhaps, is when he has authored some big moments, tying the record for most overtime winners in a single playoff with three. Over the years Draisaitl’s status has been doubted as the second best player in the league, but his exceptional play throughout the season and into the playoffs has quieted most of the doubters.
Coming off of one of his best defensive seasons, Draisaitl continues to prove himself as one of the best playoff performers of all time. Undoubtedly the Oilers will need more magic from Draisaitl and McDavid if they are to finish the job this time around.
Do not count Bouchard out
Although Evan Bouchard was left off of team Canada’s 4 Nations Face-off roster, another incredibly productive playoff run might garner him more consideration in the future. Currently fourth in playoff scoring with 21 points, and just one behind Mikko Rantanen, the production is very impressive. Alas, offence is rarely the concern for Bouchard, especially in the conversation of the league’s elite defencemen.
Instead, it is usually the defensive game that is questioned. In this respect it has been a statement from Bouchard, who has been noticeably more physical than usual. It should also be noted that Bouchard has done so without stalwart partner Mattias Ekholm for most of these playoffs. Ekholm is not getting any younger, and the day will come when Bouchard must be able to replicate his high level of play with less ideal partners.
Still, Bouchard is not a perfect defenceman, and has had some tougher looking plays early in this Stanley Cup Final. These lapses hardly exclude him from consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy on their own, but being third on his team in scoring does not help his case. Bouchard has won over more fans around the league, but a Conn Smythe Trophy is unlikely given the star power of McDavid and Draisaitl.
Corey Perry has been a valuable asset
While any fourth option that the Oilers might have for this distinction will be hard pressed to receive any legitimate consideration, the Oilers do have several players who deserve recognition. Stuart Skinner is tied for the playoff lead in shutouts, for example.
Still, the work of Corey Perry cannot be overlooked. After another huge goal to send game two to overtime, Perry is up to eight goals on this playoff run. Tied for fourth in playoff goal scoring, Perry is just one goal behind Rantanen for third. With Zach Hyman out with an injury, Perry has been moved into the net front role Hyman excels at.
The 40-year-old veteran has been doubted for years now, yet somehow he has authored some of his best hockey this season. Already confirmed to return to the NHL next season, it appears that Perry is not slowing down either. His speed has diminished over the years, but his ability to thrive in tight spaces means that he does not need to be the most fleet of foot to succeed.
To some extent this makes Perry a bit age-proof, as he can clearly still succeed in his limited role. If Perry was on the top power play full time, it’s easy to see how he could still produce a 25-goal season. It has been an incredible year for Perry, and his playoff performance has been the most salient testament to that.
Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
Like this:
Like Loading…