The 2024-25 NHL season is nearing its end, with the Stanley Cup playoffs starting on April 19th.
In this final regular-season power rankings, we`re forecasting what to anticipate from each team in the 2025-26 season.
ESPN analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash have categorized each team into four groups: Stanley Cup contender, playoff team, on the bubble, still developing, and draft lottery. Victoria analyzed Western Conference teams, while Sean covered the East.
Ranking Methodology: A panel of ESPN hockey experts, including commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors, provides a 1-32 ranking based on games played up to Wednesday. These rankings are compiled to create our master list.
Note: “Previous ranking” refers to the ranking from April 4th. Point percentages are current as of Thursday`s games.
- 1. Winnipeg Jets
- 2. Washington Capitals
- 3. Dallas Stars
- 4. Vegas Golden Knights
- 5. Colorado Avalanche
- 6. Toronto Maple Leafs
- 7. Carolina Hurricanes
- 8. Los Angeles Kings
- 9. Tampa Bay Lightning
- 10. Edmonton Oilers
- 11. Florida Panthers
- 12. St. Louis Blues
- 13. Minnesota Wild
- 14. Ottawa Senators
- 15. New Jersey Devils
- 16. Calgary Flames
- 17. Montreal Canadiens
- 18. Vancouver Canucks
- 19. Utah Hockey Club
- 20. New York Rangers
- 21. Detroit Red Wings
- 22. Columbus Blue Jackets
- 23. New York Islanders
- 24. Anaheim Ducks
- 25. Buffalo Sabres
- 26. Pittsburgh Penguins
- 27. Seattle Kraken
- 28. Philadelphia Flyers
- 29. Boston Bruins
- 30. Nashville Predators
- 31. Chicago Blackhawks
- 32. San Jose Sharks
1. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 70.9%
Stanley Cup Contender. Defense is key to winning championships. It`s hard to see why the league`s best defensive team wouldn`t contend for the top title again next season. Especially with Connor Hellebuyck, a Hart Trophy contender in goal, and consistent scoring from Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and defenseman Josh Morrissey.
Remaining games: @ CHI (April 12), vs. EDM (April 13), vs. ANA (April 16)
2. Washington Capitals
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.9%
Playoff Team. It feels wrong to consider a Presidents` Trophy contender as just on the bubble for next season, but it`s tempting for the Capitals. They were seen as a bubble team at the start of this season. Was this a surprise run along with Alex Ovechkin`s amazing season? Or are these Capitals here to stay and compete for the Cup after Ovechkin turns 40? Let`s meet in the middle and call them a playoff team.
Remaining games: @ CBJ (April 12), vs. CBJ (April 13), @ NYI (April 15), @ PIT (April 17)
3. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 67.1%
Stanley Cup Contender. As one of the deepest teams in the league, the Stars can still win even without their top defenseman, Miro Heiskanen, who will return. With Mikko Rantanen signed until 2032-33 and young Wyatt Johnston becoming a star, they should remain competitive even as veterans like Matt Duchene become free agents.
Remaining games: vs. UTA (April 12), @ DET (April 14), @ NSH (April 16)
4. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 66.5%
Stanley Cup Contender. Even without Jonathan Marchessault or Chandler Stephenson, and despite injuries to William Karlsson, Alex Pietrangelo`s decline, and Tomas Hertl`s quiet period, the Knights are always a threat to win. Their eight-year history shows they can`t be counted out. Plus, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone are still top players.
Remaining games: vs. NSH (April 12), @ CGY (April 15), @ VAN (April 16)
5. Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 62.5%
Stanley Cup Contender. As long as Nathan MacKinnon leads the offense and Cale Makar remains a Norris Trophy contender, the Avalanche are serious contenders. The other players, both new and old, fit in well. Coach Jared Bednar deserves more recognition.
Remaining games: @ LA (April 12), @ ANA (April 13)
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 64.1%
Stanley Cup Contender. With Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies needing new contracts, the Maple Leafs have a big offseason ahead. How they manage these contracts will determine if they stay Stanley Cup contenders or become just another playoff team.
Remaining games: vs. MTL (April 12), @ CAR (April 13), @ BUF (April 15), vs. DET (April 17)
7. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 62.2%
Playoff Team. The Hurricanes are slightly weaker after the Mikko Rantanen situation. Alexander Nikishin could boost their defense when he joins from the KHL, but landing Rantanen or keeping Martin Necas would have made them true Stanley Cup contenders. This ranking might be too low, as the playoffs could show how dangerous they are.
Remaining games: vs. NYR (April 12), vs. TOR (April 13), @ MTL (April 16), @ OTT (April 17)
8. Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 63.5%
Playoff Team. The NHL`s second-best defensive team needs more scoring to join the elite. Despite Jim Hiller`s defensive style, goals are crucial. Also, Anze Kopitar is getting older.
Remaining games: vs. COL (April 12), @ EDM (April 14), @ SEA (April 15), vs. CGY (April 17)
9. Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 62.2%
Stanley Cup Contender. The Lightning have been dominant for a long time with the same core. Maybe it`s time to bring in new, young players. But with Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, and Andrei Vasilevskiy at their best, it`s hard not to try to win every season.
Remaining games: vs. BUF (April 13), vs. FLA (April 15), @ NYR (April 17)
10. Edmonton Oilers
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 60.9%
On the Bubble. How can a team with two superstars, recent Stanley Cup finalists, be on the bubble? Because they are near the bottom in goals allowed and rely too much on those two stars.
Remaining games: vs. SJ (April 11), @ WPG (April 13), vs. LA (April 14), @ SJ (April 16)
11. Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 60.8%
Stanley Cup Contender. As long as Sergei Bobrovsky plays well, their window is open. Adding Seth Jones was smart for short-term contention. But Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Bobrovsky are key for deep playoff runs. Trading for Jones cost them future assets. They need a Plan B in goal for the future.
Remaining games: vs. BUF (April 12), vs. NYR (April 14), @ TB (April 15)
12. St. Louis Blues
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 58.1%
Playoff Team. The Blues` strong run shows they can compete with anyone now that they`ve fully bought into Jim Montgomery`s system. Their reliance on Robert Thomas scoring two points per game might be the only thing holding them back from being top contenders.
Remaining games: @ SEA (April 12), vs. UTA (April 15)
13. Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 58.9%
Playoff Team. The Wild are not flashy, but they win games, even without Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. Filip Gustavsson in goal is also a big help.
Remaining games: @ CGY (April 11), @ VAN (April 12), vs. ANA (April 15)
14. Ottawa Senators
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 57.7%
Playoff Team. The Senators are entering a competitive phase. With a young core making their first playoff appearance, they are set to be regulars. They have good goaltending and will build on this playoff experience.
Remaining games: vs. MTL (April 11), vs. PHI (April 13), vs. CHI (April 15), vs. CAR (April 17)
15. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 57.1%
Stanley Cup Contender. The Devils have the pieces but need to stay healthy. Injuries to Jack Hughes, Jacob Markstrom, Dougie Hamilton, and Luke Hughes hurt their playoff chances. Their core is locked up, but with Markstrom at 35, their window is smaller. They need to start next season healthy for a real championship push.
Remaining games: vs. PIT (April 11), vs. NYI (April 13), @ BOS (April 15), vs. DET (April 16)
16. Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 56.4%
On the Bubble. The rebuilding Flames, led by Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau, are ahead of schedule. Connor Zary, Matt Coronato, and prospect Zayne Parekh should help them contend for playoffs. Rookie goalie Dustin Wolf is also proving himself.
Remaining games: vs. MIN (April 11), vs. SJ (April 13), vs. VGK (April 15), @ LA (April 17)
17. Montreal Canadiens
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.8%
On the Bubble. Montreal`s late surge shows smart team building and suggests they can be competitive soon. Adding prospect Ivan Demidov shows their strong prospect pool. Sam Montembeault looks like the goalie solution, though consistency is needed. Patient building could lead to something big.
Remaining games: @ OTT (April 11), @ TOR (April 12), vs. CHI (April 14), vs. CAR (April 16)
18. Vancouver Canucks
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 55.1%
On the Bubble. If Elias Pettersson improves, Brock Boeser re-signs and scores, and Thatcher Demko stays healthy, the Canucks can move past this season`s issues. Otherwise, more disappointment is coming. Quinn Hughes can`t do it all alone.
Remaining games: vs. MIN (April 12), vs. SJ (April 14), vs. VGK (April 16)
19. Utah Hockey Club
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 53.8%
On the Bubble. In their first year in Utah, the team might challenge better Western teams. Healthy Sean Durzi on defense and growing forwards Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley will be key.
Remaining games: @ DAL (April 12), @ NSH (April 14), @ STL (April 15)
20. New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 51.3%
Playoff Team. The Rangers` power play success matches their overall performance, but the league is catching on. This core gets another chance, with Igor Shesterkin in goal long-term. Expect the Rangers to fix their power play and improve in 2025-26.
Remaining games: @ CAR (April 12), @ FLA (April 14), vs. TB (April 17)
21. Detroit Red Wings
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50.6%
On the Bubble. The Red Wings are close to breaking through. If they don`t make big free agency moves, they risk staying stagnant. They were mostly healthy, had decent goaltending, but still missed the playoffs. They need more changes to get to the playoffs in 2025-26.
Remaining games: @ TB (April 11), vs. DAL (April 14), @ NJ (April 16), @ TOR (April 17)
22. Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 51.9%
On the Bubble. The Blue Jackets might miss the playoffs, but they are close to being a consistent threat. Another year of development could help their young roster break through. They need a top forward and more reliable goalies, but they have time.
Remaining games: vs. WSH (April 12), @ WSH (April 13), @ PHI (April 15), vs. NYI (April 17)
23. New York Islanders
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.6%
Still Developing. Despite Ilya Sorokin in net, where is the star power? Mathew Barzal is good, but not enough to carry the team. Noah Dobson declined this season. Who will step up to lift the Islanders?
Remaining games: @ PHI (April 12), @ NJ (April 13), vs. WSH (April 15), @ CBJ (April 17)
24. Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 49.4%
Still Developing. Leo Carlsson is becoming elite quickly. Rookie Cutter Gauthier is also promising. Lukas Dostal seems to be the goalie for the future. But the young Ducks are likely still a season away from challenging for a playoff spot.
Remaining games: vs. COL (April 13), @ MIN (April 15), @ WPG (April 16)
25. Buffalo Sabres
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 48.7%
Still Developing. Sabres fans have heard this before, but there is potential. 2025-26 could be their year. Their young defense is top-tier, they have star forwards and good goalie prospects. But it`s hard to see them in the playoff bubble if nothing changes by October except another summer without hockey.
Remaining games: @ FLA (April 12), @ TB (April 13), vs. TOR (April 15), vs. PHI (April 17)
26. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 48.1%
Still Developing. Hopefully, the Penguins learned from the Capitals` approach with Ovechkin and try a similar retool for Crosby and Malkin. But with their goals allowed this season, goalie changes are needed. Tristan Jarry`s late improvement offered some hope.
Remaining games: @ NJ (April 11), vs. BOS (April 13), vs. WSH (April 17)
27. Seattle Kraken
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.3%
Still Developing. The Kraken are tough to play against, but the league is driven by stars. Until Seattle gets that star power—asking Jared McCann, Chandler Stephenson, or Matty Beniers to be those stars isn`t fair—their team effort will only go so far.
Remaining games: vs. STL (April 12), vs. LA (April 15)
28. Philadelphia Flyers
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 46.8%
Draft Lottery. Another development season might not be enough for the Flyers. Matvei Michkov is important, but it`s unclear if they have the star center, defenseman, and goalie they need. They need at least one more high draft pick, preferably two.
Remaining games: vs. NYI (April 12), @ OTT (April 13), vs. CBJ (April 15), @ BUF (April 17)
29. Boston Bruins
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 45.6%
Still Developing. This season was a shock for Bruins fans used to playoff appearances. Falling to the bottom of the East was unexpected. Jeremy Swayman deserves better, and David Pastrnak is still great, but a quick fix might not be enough to make the Bruins contenders again.
Remaining games: @ PIT (April 13), vs. NJ (April 15)
30. Nashville Predators
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 41.8%
On the Bubble. Is this bad season just an anomaly, or a sign of a bad future? Barry Trotz & Co. hope for the former, given their long-term player contracts. Luckily, their players, including Steven Stamkos, Filip Forsberg, Jonathan Marchessault, Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros, are better than this season`s results suggest.
Remaining games: @ VGK (April 12), vs. UTA (April 14), vs. DAL (April 16)
31. Chicago Blackhawks
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 35.4%
Draft Lottery. With few top prospects ready to make a difference, the Blackhawks might finish near the bottom again in 2025-26, even with young star Connor Bedard.
Remaining games: vs. WPG (April 12), @ MTL (April 14), @ OTT (April 15)
32. San Jose Sharks
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 32.7%
Draft Lottery. Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith will be good, but the Sharks need to stop letting in so many goals. Allowing over 3.75 goals per game won`t work. GM Mike Grier has more work to do to make this rebuilding team better.
Remaining games: @ EDM (April 11), @ CGY (April 13), @ VAN (April 14), vs. EDM (April 16)
