Undrafted Players to Win Conn Smythe Trophy: Marchessault Joins Exclusive Club

Joel Reyes

updated at June 14, 2023 at 11:13 AM

Seven undrafted players have won the Conn Smythe Trophy in NHL history
Bobby Orr, Bernie Parent, and Wayne Gretzky each won the award twice
Marchessault became the first undrafted player to win the award since 1988

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Jonathan Marchessault is living the dream.

The Vegas Golden Knights forward made history on Tuesday night, becoming the seventh undrafted player to win the Most Valuable Player award in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Sports Brief looks at the undrafted NHL players who won the prestigious Conn Smythe Trophy.

Conn Smythe Trophy, Wayne Gretzky, Roger Crozier, Yvan Cournoyer, Bernie Parent, Serge Savard, Bobby Orr, Jonathan Marchessault — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presents Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights with the Conn Smythe Trophy. Image: Bruce Bennett
Source: Getty Images

Roger Crozier (1966)

Crozier became the first undrafted player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, capturing the award in 1966.

He suffered a leg injury in Game 4 of that year's Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks, causing the Detroit Red Wings to lose the championship series.

Even though Detroit failed to win it all, he was still awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for being the MVP in the playoffs.

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Crozier became the first goaltender to win the award and the first player to win it despite losing the Stanley Cup Final.

Serge Savard (1969)

Savard became the second undrafted player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, capturing the award in 1969.

He recorded four goals and six assists during Montreal’s championship run, helping the Canadiens win their 16th Stanley Cup.

Bobby Orr (1970, 1972)

Orr became the third undrafted player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, lifting the award in 1970. He recorded nine goals and 11 assists during Boston’s playoff run, helping the Bruins win their fourth Stanley Cup.

The defenseman scored one of the most famous goals in NHL history in the Finals clincher to give the Bruins their first Stanley Cup since 1941. He then led the Bruins to the Stanley Cup again in 1972, per Yahoo! Sports.

Orr led the scoring in the playoffs, racking up 24 points with 19 assists. He scored the championship-winning goal against the New York Rangers.

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His performances were recognized as he received the Conn Smythe Trophy for the second time in his career, becoming the award’s first two-time winner.

Yvan Cournoyer (1973)

Cournoyer became the fourth undrafted player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, capturing the award in 1973.

He racked up 15 goals and 10 assists during Montreal’s playoff run, helping the Canadiens win their 18th Stanley Cup.

Bernie Parent (1974, 1975)

Parent became the fifth undrafted player to capture the Conn Smythe Trophy, winning the award in 1974 and 1975.

He posted two shutouts while having a 2.02 GAA and a .933 Save Percentage in the 1974 Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading the Philadelphia Flyers to their first-ever championship.

Parent’s performance in the 1975 Playoffs was even more impressive than the previous year. The Flyers goaltender had four shutouts with a 1.89 GAA, helping Philadelphia defend the Stanley Cup.

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Wayne Gretzky (1985, 1988)

Gretzky became the sixth undrafted player to capture the Conn Smythe Trophy, winning the award in 1985 and 1988.

'The Great One' recorded 17 goals and 30 assists during Edmonton’s playoff run in 1985, helping the Oilers win their second straight Stanley Cup.

Gretzky led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup again in 1988. He recorded 12 goals and 31 assists during that championship run, helping Edmonton win its fourth Stanley Cup.