3 reasons why Connor McDavid should win Conn Smythe Trophy even if Oilers lose Stanley Cup Final

Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are hanging on to their Stanley Cup hopes entering Tuesday's action. The club enters a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday as the Florida Panthers hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the series and will undoubtedly be looking to secure the title on home ice.

"Make tonight ours. #TimeToHunt" - @FlaPanthers

Win or lose, Connor McDavid has been incredible throughout the playoffs for the Edmonton Oilers. The three-time Hart Trophy Award winner continues to prove why is widely regarded as the best player in the NHL. This has led some to believe that the Oilers captain has a legitimate case to win the Conn Smythe even if the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup.

3 reasons why Connor McDavid should win Conn Smythe Trophy

#1 - Leads the playoffs in points

Even though the Edmonton Oilers find themselves on the brink of elimination, it is not for a lack of effort from their captain. The top four players in terms of points this postseason all play for the Oilers: McDavid (38), Leon Draisaitl (30), Evan Bouchard (21), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (21).

The fact that McDavid is so far ahead of both his teammates, and more importantly, his opponents in terms of points scored this postseason.

#2 - Broke Wayne Gretzky's playoff assist record

There is no denying that Wayne Gretzky is the best player in NHL history. The Hall of Famer did things on the ice that may never be seen again. That being said, Connor McDavid broke one of "The Great One's" playoff records, setting a new postseason high in assists by recording 32. During Game 4, McDavid set up Dylan Holloway for a goal, etching himself in the history books.

"CONNOR MCDAVID HAS BROKEN THE RECORD FOR MOST ASSISTS IN A SINGLE POSTSEASON" - @BR_OpenIce

#3 - Panthers have no clear choice for the award

The Florida Panthers have been dominant throughout the postseason, however, they have done so as a team. This could benefit McDavid as the Panthers have several players who could be in contention for the Conn Smythe Trophy such as Sergei Bobrovsky.

With no clear-cut choice from the Panthers, McDavid could end up walking away with the award as Sergei Bobrovsky and Aleksander Barkov could cancel each other out.