Vegas has Kessel as Conn Smythe co-favourite Pittsburgh winger Phil Kessel leads the Eastern Conference champion Penguins in both goals and points this postseason and according to Las Vegas oddsmakers, he is firmly planted in the Conn Smythe Trophy conversation.

PITTSBURGH - The question dribbled out and Phil Kessel shook his head.

Even now, six weeks into the chase, the idea that Kessel could be a Conn Smythe Trophy candidate sounds foreign to him, too.

“I’m just going out there, trying to play my game and trying to help the team win any way I can,” Kessel said about the Conn Smythe. “I think I have to produce.”

Kessel, 28, leads the Eastern Conference champion Penguins in both goals and points. His playoff prowess wasn’t enough to earn him a spot on Team USA’s World Cup of Hockey entry, but he is firmly planted in the Conn Smythe Trophy conversation.

“I’ve always put up decent numbers,” Kessel said. “Sometimes, in the regular season, it doesn’t go well for stretches. That’s part of the game. In the playoffs, every game matters and you have to show up for every one.”

Ferraro: Can't believe Phil Kessel wasn't named to Team USA NHL insider Ray Ferraro joins BMac, Donnie & the Moj & says the notable omissions from the U.S & Canadian World Cup of Hockey rosters include Phil Kessel & Taylor Hall. Ray also wondered if it would be out of the question for Ken Hitchcock to sign a one year deal to remain as head coach of the St. Louis Blues.

Last year, Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Duncan Keith entered the Stanley Cup final as the prohibitive favourite for the Conn Smythe, awarded to the player judged most valuable to his team during the entire Stanley Cup playoffs.

This year, it remains wide open. Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby opened as the favourite when the playoffs began on April 12.

Here are the latest odds, according to SportsBook.ag:

