It’s hockey season, and that means it is time for the first day of the season’s power rankings. This ranking is based on last year’s performance, plus any offseason moves that teams made, no matter if it was for better or worse.
Number 32: San Jose Sharks
This is really no surprise here. The San Jose Sharks finished last season with a record of 19-54-9 for a total of only 47 points which was the worst in the NHL. The Sharks did make some strides to become more competitive this season by trading for Jake Walman, Yaroslav Askarov, and Cody Ceci. Signing players Tyler Toffoli and Alex Wennberg, and drafting the best player in last year’s draft, Macklin Celebrini, who will make the Sharks opening night roster.
Number 31: Anaheim Ducks
Last season the Ducks finished with a record of 27-50-5 for a total of 59 points. A lot better than the Sharks, and not the second-worst team in the NHL. However, the Ducks offseason was really disappointing only adding Robby Fabbri, Brian Dumoulin by trades, and signing Jansen Harkins to a two year contract. Long-time Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg retired from the NHL at the end of last season, and Max Jones signed with the Boston Bruins. Keep an eye out for Cutter Gauthier, who was drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2022 NHL entry draft, and played in the final game for the Ducks last season.
Number 30: Columbus Blue Jackets
As much as it sucks to have to put them this low after what happened in the offseason, it seems to be the right spot for them. Last season, the Blue Jackets finished with a record of 27-43-12 for a total of 66 points. The main story is, of course, the tragic death of superstar Johnny Gaudreau. The Blue Jackets also traded star Patrik Laine this offseason to the Montreal Canadiens. The Jackets added nothing more than depth pieces this offseason, adding players like Zach Aston-Reese, Dylan Gambrell, Kevin Labanc, James van Riemsdyk, Jordan Harris, and others. With the big offseason signing for them being Sean Monahan, who signed a five year deal. Keep an eye out for Jackets 2023 draft pick Adam Fantilli this season.
Number 29: Chicago Blackhawks
Last season, the Blackhawks finished with a record of 23-53-6 for a total of 52 points. The Blackhawks during the offseason added Alec Martinez and Teuvo Teravainen, as well as Pat Maroon. They will be hoping for really good years from both Connor Bedard and Seth Jones to help propel them back into the playoff picture like they were years ago. They open the season against the Utah Hockey Club.
Number 28: Montreal Canadiens
Last season, the Canadiens finished with a record of 30-36-16 for a total of 76 points. The team received tough news that Patrik Laine will be out to start the season, and it could be for awhile. The team is also still handcuffed having to pay the very large contract of Carey Price, even though he again will not play this season. Alex Barre-Boulet was the only real addition to the team from the offseason with the hopes that players like Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovský step up in a big way this season. The Canadiens open up against the Maple Leafs on Oct. 9th.
Number 27: Seattle Kraken
At number 27 we have the Kraken, after a really disappointing 2023-24 season after making the playoffs the year prior. The Kraken signed Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour to long contracts this offseason. They also expect 2022 first round draft pick Shane Wright to be a full time NHL player this season. He will join another young player on that team Matty Beniers who had a really rough season last year. The Kraken open against the Blues on Oct. 8th.
Number 26: Calgary Flames
Last season, the Flames finished 38-39-5 for a total of 81 points. Some might think this is really low for them, but they did not do enough to make me excited about this season. The Flames added Tyson Barrie, Jake Bean, and Anthony Mantha this offseason, as well as a few more depth pieces. They have a lot to prove this season and need to do a lot to change my mind on them. They open the season against the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 9th.
Number 25: Ottawa Senators
Last season the Sens finished 37-41-4 for a total of 78 points. The moves that the Sens made to help the really young core is going to make them better than people think. Adding players like David Perron, Nick Jensen, and goalie Linus Ullmark. However, they did lose defenseman Jakob Chychrun and goalie Joonas Korpisalo as well as forward Mathieu Joseph. They added a few other players to help their depth and really help all of the younger players out. The Sens open the season against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 10th.
Number 24: Utah Hockey Club
This is going to be a really interesting season in Utah. This, of course, being their first year as a team after moving from Arizona. They have a lot of really young players to get excited about. Also Utah just named Clayton Keller the first ever captain in the teams history. The goalie tandem in Utah is very solid, I’m just not sure how much this team can put the puck in the back of the net.
Number 23: Philadelphia Flyers
Last season the Flyers had a record of 38-33-11 for a total of 87 points. This ranking is really solely based on how they played last year, because this team did not change much in the offseason besides players they traded for like Jamie Drysdale and Erik Johnson. The goalies are the big question mark going into the season for them. Ryan Ellis will also start the year on IR. I expect some teams to pass the Flyers in the ranking as the season goes along.
Number 22: Buffalo Sabres
Last season the Sabres had what most are calling a disappointing season, finishing 39-37-6 for a total of 84 points. I have them higher on my ranking then people might expect, but that is because I really like the group of young players that they have in Buffalo. Players like Tage Thompson, Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin and so many others with their goalie tandem of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi. The Sabres have already started the season 0-2 after being swept by the Devils in the global series. They need to bounce back quickly or teams will pass them extremely fast.
Number 21: Minnesota Wild
Last season, the Wild finished with a record of 39-33-10 for a total of 87 points. Looking ahead to this season, this is the final season for legendary goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, as he announced that he will retire at the end of the season. The Wild are one of these teams that did not do a whole lot to help their current NHL roster in the offseason, so that tells me that they are not really in win now mode. They have some really fun players like Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, Ryan Hartman, and Kirill Kaprizov. It’s a fun team, but it just feels like the same team they have been putting on the ice for years now.
Number 20: Pittsburgh Penguins
Last season the Pens finished with a record of 38-32-12 for a total of 88 points. They missed out on the playoffs by a total of four points. The reason I put them at 20 on this ranking is due to the core getting older and older each year, highlighted by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. They made some moves in the offseason, bringing in Kevin Hayes and other players who are younger including Rutger McGroarty who made the roster.
Number 19: New Jersey Devils
Last season, the Devils finished with a record of 38-39-5 for a total of 81 points. The Devils have already started the season on a high note, thanks to the NHL Global Series where they swept the Buffalo Sabers to start out the year 2-0. Jacob Markstrom, defensemen Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, Johnathan Kovacevic, Paul Cotter, Stefan Noesen, Tomas Tatar, and Dawson Mercier were all added to this roster. Brett Pesce was also added this offseason, but he is injured to start the year, and Luke Hughes is also hurt to begin the year. This team will for sure move way up in the rankings, they just have to prove themselves.
Number 18: Washington Capitals
As the great Alexander Ovechkin continues to chase Wayne Gretzky for the most goals of all time, it seems the Capitals aren’t going for it all just yet. They did sneak into the playoffs last season, which I don’t think was really expected. The Caps are also forced to start the year with Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie on LTIR which is a big loss for them. I expect the Caps to take a pretty big step back this year.
Number 17: St. Louis Blues
Last season, the Blues missed the playoffs with a record of 43-33-6 for a total of 92 points. The Blues were one of the more active teams in the offseason, adding a whole lot of depth in an effort to make the team better. If they want to move up on this list, they have to prove that they can play like a playoff team. The Blues will be without Brandon Saad and Oskar Sundqvist to start the season, and will miss Torey Krug for the entire season. A new look defense for the Blues that will make or break their season.
Number 16: New York Islanders
I went ahead and put the Islanders right in the middle at 16. I just look at this team and I can’t help but think that it’s a boring team. Last season they finished 39-27-16 for a total of 94 points and made the playoffs. Sixteen overtime losses is a lot for a team and they did not make the strides to become better in the offseason.
Number 15: Detroit Red Wings
Last season, the Red Wings underperformed what people thought they would. They finished last season at 41-32-9 for a total of 91 points. The team made a lot of moves this offseason to really help this team in all different ways. They added players like Austin Watson, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Cam Talbot to help the goalie situation. As well as a few more depth pieces to help the young core of Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Simon Edvinsson, Alex DeBrincat, and Dylan Larkin. I believe Detroit has a chance to be a playoff team this season.
Number 14: Tampa Bay Lightning
This one may come as a shock to some, but I think Tampa is going to have a bit of a tough season after losing the great Steven Stamkos in the offseason. Last yea,r they were 45-29-8 for a total of 98 points and of course made the playoffs. Yes, this team is still very good and most of the core is still there with Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, and Andrei Vasilevskiy. They also added Jake Guentzel last season. With the core getting older, it makes the Lightning unpredictable.
Number 13: Los Angeles Kings
The LA Kings have a problem on their hands, and that is the goalies that they have. They are starting this season with Darcy Kurmper and David Rittich. I think that raises concern for Kings fans. Last year, the Kings were good, posting a 44-27-11 record, good for 99 points. The offense is good enough to outscore teams, but it is really going to be all about the goalies and if they are going to be good enough to get them into the playoffs.
Number 12: Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights, to me, have the same problem as the LA Kings but to a lesser extent. The offense is great, this team is loaded with superstars and really good depth as well, but as for the goalies that is not the case. Going into this season the Knights will be using Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov, and I just do not think that is going to be good enough. Vegas wants to make it back to the playoffs after making it last year with 98 points and a record of 45-29-8.
Number 11: Nashville Predators
Last season the Preds finished 47-30-5 for a total of 99 points. This team is for sure built for a deep playoff run, especially with the addition of Stamkos this offseason. They also added Jonathan Marchessault during the offseason. This team might not have all the big names, but they know how to play together. The defense is amazing with Roman Josi, and one of the best goalies in the NHL, Juuse Saros.
Number 10: Carolina Hurricanes
Getting my top 10 started, I have the Carolina Hurricanes who were one of the best teams in the NHL last year with a record of 52-23-7 for a total of 111 points. I have a feeling that this team is going to take a step back this year due to the aging core. There is a fun mix of both old and young players on this team, but I don’t think we see them having as much success as last season.
Number 9: Boston Bruins
At number nine I have the Boston Bruins. It doesn’t matter how much change this team goes through, year in and year out they always find a way to be at the top of the NHL standings. The Bruins finally got the hardest hurdle of the offseason over with when they signed starting goalie Jeremy Swayman. I do think the depth on this team is a bit weak, which is why I have them a bit lower in the ranking then most. The Bruins still have the main core of Charlie Coyle, Elias Lindholm, Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Charlie McAvoy. So, Boston will be winning a lot this season.
Number 8: Winnipeg Jets
I have the Jets at number eight after coming off of a fantastic season. Last year they finished 52-24-6 for a total of 110 points. The Jets starting goalie Connor Hellebuyck is coming off the best performance of any goalie last season, and won the Vezina Trophy with a 2.39 GAA and a .921 SV%. If he can stay healthy mixed with the great defense and offensive depth, this team is prone for another playoff run.
Number 7: Vancouver Canucks
I have the Canucks at number seven on the list. Coming off a season where they finished 50-23-9 for a total of 109 points, and a Vezina Trophy nomination for Thatcher Demko. The thing that scares me here is the health of Demko, who is starting the year on IR, and the other goalies have not performed well enough in the past to justify me putting them any higher than seventh. The offense is scary good on this team, and can outscore anyone most nights if they have to.
Number 6: Colorado Avalanche
Last season the Avs finished 50-25-7 for a total of 107 points, and did this with a lot of different injuries all throughout the season. Once again this season it seems the Avs will be without Gabriel Landeskog, who has not played since the end of the 2022 playoffs. Any team with Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar on it is elite. Outside of that, there are a lot of question marks and it all starts with the goaltending.
Number 5: Toronto Maple Leafs
Last season was a down year for the Maple Leafs standards, they finished 46-26-10 for a total of 102 points. The biggest change for them this offseason happened behind the bench, when they fired Sheldon Keefe and brought in Craig Berube. As we all know, the Leafs are absolutely stacked both offensively and defensively, and that was never a doubt. They are facing the same problem a lot of other teams are and that is the question of goaltending. This season it will be Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz between the pipes. The biggest question here is, can they stay consistent through a full 82 game season?
Number 4: Edmonton Oilers
Last season was a big one for the Edmonton Oilers, losing in the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers. During the regular season they finished 49-27-6 for a total of 104 points, and it looked like it could have finally been Connor McDavid’s time to lift the cup, but not to be. This team top to bottom is really good, obviously with players like McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Darnell Nurse, if he can stay healthy. The rest of the defense is really good as well. Stop me if you have heard this before, but the one problem I see with the Oilers is the goaltending. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard make up the tandem and this alone is the reason that the Oilers are not second or third on this list.
Number 3: Dallas Stars
At Number three I have the best team in the central division last season, the Dallas Stars. They finished with a record of 52-21-9 for a total of 113 points, good for second most in the NHL. Dallas is one of, if not the most well rounded team in the NHL going into the season. On top of that really good young core in Dallas, they added Colin Blackwell, Mathew Dumba, Ilya Lyubushkin, Brendan Smith, and Casey DeSmith. This is for sure a team to watch out for this season, and could be raising the Stanley Cup at the end of the playoffs.
Number 2: New York Rangers
I am very high on the Rangers going into this season. They were the best team points wise last season with 114 of them. That was good enough for a record of 55-23-4. I do believe, from top to bottom, that this is the best team in the NHL. The blue line for the Rangers is stacked with Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, and K’Andre Miller as well as the others. The forward core is great as well with Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider, among the many more great players on that roster. Not to mention they might have the best goalie in the NHL, Igor Shesterkin as well as Johnathan Quick as the backup this season.
Number 1: Florida Panthers
This is the clear and obvious choice for number one. Not only are the Panthers a really well built team, but they also won the Stanley Cup last season. Last regular season they finished 52-24-6 for a total of 110 points. Sure, the Panthers might have lost a few players in the offseason but that core that won the cup is still there, and they are ready to go back to back. This team is once again led by Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad, and of course Sergei Bobrovsky. I don’t think there is any doubt that this team can get back to where they want to be.
This power rankings will be updated monthly based on how teams are playing this season.
