Golden Knights' Jonathan Marchessault wins Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP

Vegas Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault won the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy, presented annually to the postseason’s most valuable player.

Marchessault scored 13 goals and 25 points, while recording a point in every game of the Final, posting four goals and eight points in five games against the Florida Panthers.

The 32-year-old recorded a hat trick in Game 6 of the second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers and improved as the postseason marched on. He was a constant driver of the Golden Knights’ offense and finished second in drawn penalties during the playoffs at 5-on-5, per Natural Stat Trick.

The Quebec native also led all players in 5-on-5 points and was on the ice for 24 goals for and seven against, prior to Game 5.

“This year I’ve never had so much fun in my life,” Marchessault told Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas shortly after lifting the Cup.

Marchessault has been with the Golden Knights since their inaugural season, selected in the expansion draft as a castoff from the Panthers. He signed a six-year, $30-million contract extension in January 2018 and has been one of the pillars of the franchise from the outset. During the playoffs, Marchessault, often paired with Jack Eichel, shot the lights out and elevated his playmaking to new heights.

Marchessault is the first undrafted player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy since Wayne Gretzky, as The Great One entered the league after the World Hockey Association ceased operations.