Players with the Most to Prove in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Four stars, including Connor McDavid and Jamie Benn, look to cement their legacies with a championship

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, red, and white, capturing the energy and action of a hockey game.A cubist interpretation of the intensity and drama of the Stanley Cup playoffs, with players and the puck fractured into geometric shapes.Grand Rapids Today

The NHL playoffs are set to begin, and several high-profile players have a lot riding on this postseason. Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, Stars veteran Jamie Benn, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, and Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour all have something to prove as they chase the Stanley Cup.

Why it matters

The Stanley Cup playoffs are the ultimate test for NHL players and coaches, separating the legends from the also-rans. For these four individuals, a championship could cement their place in hockey history, while a disappointing finish could raise questions about their ability to win when it matters most.

The details

Connor McDavid, the three-time Hart Trophy and six-time Art Ross Trophy winner, is still seeking his first Stanley Cup. After coming close the past two seasons, the pressure is on McDavid and the Oilers to finally get over the hump. Jamie Benn, the 2015 Art Ross Trophy winner, is also chasing his first Cup in his 17th NHL season. Brady Tkachuk, the Senators' captain, faces criticism about his leadership after missing the playoffs in his first six seasons, and he'll need a big series against the Hurricanes to prove himself as an elite power forward. Meanwhile, Rod Brind'Amour, the Hurricanes' coach, has led his team to fantastic regular seasons but hasn't been able to translate that into playoff success, losing in the first or second round in four of his seven seasons.

  • The NHL regular season just wrapped up.
  • The Stanley Cup playoffs begin on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Connor McDavid signed a two-year extension with the Oilers through 2028.

The players

Connor McDavid

A three-time Hart Trophy and six-time Art Ross Trophy winner, including this season, who is still seeking his first Stanley Cup championship.

Jamie Benn

The 2015 Art Ross Trophy winner, now in his 17th NHL season, who is still chasing his first Stanley Cup.

Brady Tkachuk

The Senators' captain who faced criticism about his leadership after missing the playoffs in his first six seasons, and now looks to prove himself as an elite power forward in the playoffs.

Rod Brind'Amour

The Hurricanes' coach who has led his team to fantastic regular seasons but hasn't been able to translate that into playoff success, losing in the first or second round in four of his seven seasons.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Despite all the individual accolades, McDavid still chases the one trophy he wants the most: the Stanley Cup.”

— Natalie Vaitas, Sports Writer

“A Stanley Cup would certainly do wonders to solidify him as one of the greatest Dallas Stars of all time.”

— Natalie Vaitas, Sports Writer

“To prove himself as one of the game's elite power forwards and leaders, he'll need to have a big series.”

— Natalie Vaitas, Sports Writer

“Failing to reach the Stanley Cup Final under Brind'Amour, they've also lost in the first or second round in four of Brind'Amour's seven seasons as coach.”

— Natalie Vaitas, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Stanley Cup playoffs begin on Saturday, April 19, 2026, with the Ottawa Senators facing the Carolina Hurricanes. All eyes will be on these four individuals as they look to cement their legacies with a championship.

The takeaway

The Stanley Cup playoffs are the ultimate test for NHL players and coaches, and these four individuals have a lot riding on this postseason. A championship could solidify their place in hockey history, while a disappointing finish could raise questions about their ability to win when it matters most.