With the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs in full swing, many of the star players are making decisive contributions to put their teams a step closer to glory. Being the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the playoffs is something every player strives for, but only one can ultimately win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

While there are a few contenders in the race, as expected, ex-Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban had no hesitation in naming Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild as his pick for the MVP of the playoffs. During his interview on The Pat McAfee Show recently, he hailed the fellow defenseman for putting in incredible performances in tough situations for the Wild.

Subban, who is also a studio analyst for ESPN, said, “Hughes is gonna pull some rabbits out of his hat. I said he’s my playoff MVP.”

He also said Hughes was a stronger Conn Smythe contender this year than Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar. The ex-Canadiens player explained, “Cale Makar might go down as the greatest defenseman to play the game when it’s all said and done. He’s not there now, [but] he’s that good … But Hughes is a special player, and knowing he’s been this close to Makar, in these playoffs, for me, he’s gotta be in the MVP, Conn Smythe, he is in that conversation."

“He’s one of the best drivers, if not the best driver right now in the game, and skating-wise, no one can touch him. So I’m with you on Quinn Hughes. I’m on the Quinn Hughes train big time.”

During his impressive NHL career, which began in 2019 with the Vancouver Canucks, Hughes has already won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2024.

Quinn Hughes’ performances in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs so far

After joining the Minnesota Wild on December 13 last year in exchange for three players and a 2026 first-round draft pick from the Vancouver Canucks, Quinn Hughes has played a massive role in bringing the franchise into more than just the Stanley Cup conversation this season. Following his debut for the Wild against the Boston Bruins on December 14 last year, Hughes scored 53 points during the regular season in 48 games, including five goals and 48 assists.

With that, he trailed only Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers, who had 66 points over that span.

Although the Colorado Avalanche currently lead 3-1 in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Western Conference against the Wild, Hughes has scored 14 points (4G/10A) in 10 playoff games. His four goals in the playoffs have been the biggest positive, something he did only five times for the Wild during the regular season.

Two of those four goals came in Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Stars, helping the Wild beat them 5-2. It also ensured they clinched their spot in the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

Also, Hughes’s ability to get the best out of his teammates can’t be understated. He has helped elevate players like Kirill Kaprizov and Brock Faber from the back, with four goals each and 14 and 10 points, respectively, during the ongoing playoffs.

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Sahil Prashar