Connor McDavid added to his trophy cabinet Monday by taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoff MVP for the 2024 postseason.

He became the first player on the losing team to win this award since JS Giguere in 2003. It’s hard to argue against the choice despite losing Game 7 because he was outstanding this spring and the numbers back it up. McDavid finished with a mindboggling 42 points (eight goals and 34 assists) in 24 games for the Oilers, well ahead of Evan Bouchard who ended up in second place on the team with 32 points. He also finished with the fourth most points in a single postseason run ever with only Wayne Gretzky twice and Mario Lemieux ahead of him.

Of course, McDavid was a major factor in what got Edmonton within a win of the Stanley Cup and a big part in their success this spring, but this would not have been possible if it were not for the contribution of his teammates who helped step up when he couldn’t produce. The Oilers knew that the 2015 first-overall pick was the primary reason they were able to get to the doorstep of immortality, but he can also thank his teammates for meshing well with him on the ice and being in position for McDavid to work his magic in the playmaking department.

There were countless moments where he put the team on his back and guided them to a big win throughout these playoffs, with the most notable being Game 6 against the Stars in the Western Conference Finals. And much like he did earlier this year in the NHLPA player poll, McDavid has been getting a heap of praise from his peers around the league who have marvelled at his brilliance. Suffice it to say that although he fell short of the ultimate prize, achieving what he did while at the height of his powers has been special to watch for Oilers fans everywhere.

His future donning the Blue and Orange is up in the air beyond 2026 as there is no guarantee he could ink the extension that some feel is inevitable. But no matter what happens from this point, no one can deny that McDavid gave it his all this spring and got rewarded with one of the most prestigious honours in the sport.

I am sure McDavid would much rather also take home the other award tonight, but there is no shame in being named playoff MVP.