Connor McDavid made headlines when he became one of the rare players to win the Conn Smythe Trophy despite being on the losing team in the Stanley Cup Finals. However, he didn't come out for the presentation.
After the Florida Panthers clinched the title in a thrilling Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced McDavid as the Conn Smythe winner. This made McDavid the first player since 2003 to win the award while on the losing side.
In 2003, Anaheim Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere also won the Conn Smythe under similar circumstances. Unlike McDavid, Giguere was present for the trophy presentation and had some pointed comments about McDavid's absence.
Aside from McDavid and Giguere, only Ron Hextall, Reggie Leach, Glenn Hall, and Roger Crozier have won the Conn Smythe while on the losing team. While it's understandable why McDavid might not have felt like celebrating, Giguere's perspective highlights the importance of honoring the game's traditions.
