NHL Futures: Some early Conn Smythe bets to consider

Jeremy Swayman (+1200)

If the Boston Bruins somehow manage to defy the odds and win it all this season, you can bet it will be because Jeremy Swayman continued to shut the opposition between the pipes.

Swayman stopped 38 of Florida’s 39 shots in a Game 1 win, and he currently boasts an elite .955 save percentage to go along with a goals-against average of just 1.42.

Those are absurd numbers, and Swayman’s play in net is the main reason Boston leads 1-0 in the second round.

David Pastrnak hasn’t been a big factor in the playoffs beyond his Game 7 winner in overtime, and the Bruins don’t appear to have another forward capable of taking control of some games.

If you’re considering betting on Boston to win it all at +700, stop and just bet Swayman to win Conn Smythe at +1200 instead.

Connor McDavid (+600)

McDavid led Edmonton in the first round with 12 points in five games, including 11 assists. If the Oilers won it all, voters would most likely favor the best player in the NHL, no matter if he doesn’t score goals.

He creates so much for this team that his presence alone would be what propels their Stanley Cup victory. The added narrative that Edmonton’s best player would get them over the hump would be a layup type vote. If the Oilers win it all, McDavid’s goal creation both at even strength and on the power play would be a big reason why.

Igor Shesterkin (+800)

If Igor Shesterkin wants to pull off 54 saves when he needs to, like he did in Game 2’s double thriller against Carolina, this Rangers team might be able to go the distance.

Shesterkin is 6-0 so far in the playoffs and hasn’t allowed more than three goals in a playoff game in 28 straight starts.

The Rangers have a deep and talented group of forwards, which should make it difficult for any one to rise above the rest for Conn Smythe honors if New York finds itself in that position .

Shesterkin is one of the best goaltenders on the field, and if he continues to elevate his game, it seems likely that he will take home the award here.

The Rangers are currently the +425 favorite to win it all.