Stanley Cup champions: NHL best all-time winners list - ESPN
The Stanley Cup has been awarded to the NHL's champion every year since 1927 (with one exception). From 1915 to 1926, it was awarded to the winner of the NHL/NHA vs. PCHA/WCHL/WHL championship series (with one exception), and prior to that (1893-1914), it went to the winner of the Challenge Cup in Canada.
Put another way: There is a lot of history behind the Stanley Cup.
With the 2023 Stanley Cup Final on tap, here is a list of every Cup winner and runner-up, along with the player who was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the postseason (beginning in 1965).
2022: Colorado AvalancheLosing team: Tampa Bay LightningConn Smythe: Cale Makar, D, Avalanche
2021: Tampa Bay LightningLosing team: Montreal CanadiensConn Smythe: Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Lightning
2020: Tampa Bay LightningLosing team: Dallas StarsConn Smythe: Victor Hedman, D, Lightning
2019: St. Louis BluesLosing team: Boston BruinsConn Smythe: Ryan O'Reilly, C, Blues
2018: Washington CapitalsLosing team: Vegas Golden KnightsConn Smythe: Alex Ovechkin, LW, Capitals
2017: Pittsburgh PenguinsLosing team: Nashville PredatorsConn Smythe: Sidney Crosby, C, Penguins
2016: Pittsburgh PenguinsLosing team: San Jose SharksConn Smythe: Sidney Crosby, C, Penguins
2015: Chicago BlackhawksLosing team: Tampa Bay LightningConn Smythe: Duncan Keith, D, Blackhawks
2014: Los Angeles KingsLosing team: New York RangersConn Smythe: Justin Williams, RW, Kings
2013: Chicago BlackhawksLosing team: Boston BruinsConn Smythe: Patrick Kane, RW, Blackhawks
2012: Los Angeles KingsLosing team: New Jersey DevilsConn Smythe: Jonathan Quick, G, Kings
2011: Boston BruinsLosing team: Vancouver CanucksConn Smythe: Tim Thomas, G, Bruins
2010: Chicago BlackhawksLosing team: Philadelphia FlyersConn