The Alofoke Deportes voter panel continues to consider the Colorado Avalanche as the most outstanding team in the league, after another week of action in the 2025-26 NHL season.
This week saw significant changes in the rankings, including the first appearance in the top 10 for the Chicago Blackhawks in a long time, with Connor Bedard and his team fighting for a playoff spot, even though only a quarter of the season has been completed.
As part of this week’s rankings, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of each team was identified during the first 25% of the season.Classification Methodology: A panel of commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors from Alofoke Deportes sends out a survey from 1 to 32 based on the matches played up to Wednesday.
Caption: Illustration by Alofoke Deportes.
1. Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 1
Percentage of points: 82.5%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Nathan MacKinnon. Despite Cale Makar’s excellent season, MacKinnon leads the league in both points (36) and goals (16).
Upcoming seven days: @ NSH (November 22), @ CHI (November 23), vs. SJ (November 26)
2. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 4
Percentage of points: 70%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Seth Jarvis. The rising star of the Hurricanes continues to play in all situations and maintain a pace close to a point per game.
Next seven days: @ WPG (November 21), @ BUF (November 23), vs. NYR (November 26)
3. Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 3
Percentage of points: 64.3%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Leo Carlsson. The selection of Carlsson at the number 2 spot in the 2023 draft has proven to be correct, with the young Swede leading the Ducks, who are at the top of the Pacific Division.
Next seven days: vs. VGK (November 22), vs. VAN (November 26)
4. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 5
Percentage of points: 69%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Mikko Rantanen. The Stars didn’t hesitate to secure Rantanen with a long-term contract, and so far, the decision has been correct.
Next seven days: @ CGY (November 22), @ EDM (November 25), @ SEA (November 26)
5. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 2
Percentage of points: 67.5%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Jesper Bratt. The Devils will have to face several weeks without Jack Hughes due to an injury, which represents a challenge.
Upcoming seven days: @ PHI (November 22), vs. DET (November 24), vs. STL (November 26)
6. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 7
Percentage of points: 63.2%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Mark Scheifele. The Jets’ first-line center is on track to surpass his personal records.
Next seven days: vs. CAR (November 21), vs. MIN (November 23), @ WSH (November 26)
7. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 10
Percentage of points: 65%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Jack Eichel. Although he has declined in the race for goals and points, Eichel led the Knights with 24 points in 19 games.
Upcoming seven days: @ ANA (November 22), @ UTA (November 24), vs. OTT (November 26)
8. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 9
Percentage of points: 63.2%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Sidney Crosby. Crosby has led a renewed Penguins to a prominent place in the Metro Division, including six power-play goals.
Next seven days: vs. MIN (November 21), vs. SEA (November 22), vs. BUF (November 26)
9. Chicago Blackhawks
Previous ranking: 14
Percentage of points: 60%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Connor Bedard. Bedard is proving his worth, and the Blackhawks are in the fight for a playoff spot.
Next seven days: @ BUF (November 21), vs. COL (November 23), vs. MIN (November 26)
10. Detroit Red Wings
Previous ranking: 18
Percentage of points: 59.5%
MVP of the first quarter of the season: Dylan Larkin. Larkin has maintained the momentum from his outstanding performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Upcoming seven days: vs. CBJ (November 22), @ NJ (November 24), vs. NSH (November 26)
