It’s been a few years since the Dallas Stars were known as a team led by a select few. The Stars have taken a by-committee approach, often leaving their players out of the races for individual accolades either in the regular season or the playoffs.

Mikko Rantanen has been the literal definition of an impact player for the Dallas Stars. He had a goal and three assists in the second period of Game 6 of the team’s first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Conn Smythe Trophy does not get awarded in the first or second round of the playoffs. But less than three weeks into the post-season, it's already clear that some players have emerged as early MVP favorites.