NHL Power Ranking: Analyzing All 32 Teams Heading into the 2025-26 Season
The NHL’s compressed calendar, following the Stanley Cup Finals, the draft, and free agency, has left most of July and August with a slower pace. However, this is the ideal time to update our Power Ranking of the 32 teams heading into the 2025-26 season.
This edition includes the main stories of each team during the summer break. The rankings are based on a survey conducted by commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors from Alofoke Deportes, who evaluate the strength of each team for the 2025-26 season.Illustration by Alofoke Deportes
Florida Panthers: After celebrating the Stanley Cup triumph, they secured the continuity of their key figures, including Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand. Will they be able to achieve a three-peat?
Edmonton Oilers: After losing the final, the team focuses on improving their goaltending and dealing with the possible free agency of Connor McDavid in 2026.
Dallas Stars: The team has changed coaches, with Glen Gulutzan replacing Peter DeBoer. The first full season of the Mikko Rantanen era is key.
Carolina Hurricanes: Nikolaj Ehlers joins the team. The key will be how he integrates into Rod Brind’Amour’s system.
Vegas Golden Knights: With the arrival of Mitch Marner, the team faces challenges with the salary cap, but they seek to remain competitive.
Winnipeg Jets: They lose Nikolaj Ehlers, but add Jonathan Toews, an X-factor that could make a difference.
Colorado Avalanche: They seek to solve the problem of the second center and demonstrate their depth for another Cup run.
Toronto Maple Leafs: After the departure of Mitch Marner, they focus on the new promise Matthew Knies.
Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin leads the team, seeking to overcome the second round and add another Cup to his legacy.
Tampa Bay Lightning: They ensure depth with the extensions of Yanni Gourde and Gage Goncalves.
Los Angeles Kings: After adding veterans, the team presents the best NHL calendar launch video.
Minnesota Wild: The arrival of Vladimir Tarasenko could be key if he manages to regain his best form.
New Jersey Devils: They seek to reinforce their squad, with the possible renewal of Luke Hughes.
St. Louis Blues: After a quiet season, the team has no salary space for big signings.
Ottawa Senators: They bet on internal growth, with the renewal of Claude Giroux.
Montreal Canadiens: With the acquisition of Noah Dobson, they seek to consolidate in the playoffs.
New York Rangers: With coaching changes and the arrival of Vladislav Gavrikov, they seek to return to the playoffs.
Calgary Flames: The team is betting on the growth of its young talents.
Utah Mammoth: With the arrival of JJ Peterka and other veterans, they seek to reach the playoffs.
Detroit Red Wings: With the arrival of John Gibson, they seek to end their playoff drought.
Vancouver Canucks: After changes in the coaching staff and the arrival of Evander Kane, they seek continuity.
Columbus Blue Jackets: They reinforce their squad with the arrival of Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood.
New York Islanders: The new general manager Mathieu Darche is building a rising team.
Anaheim Ducks: With the arrival of Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund, the team is looking for a change.
Boston Bruins: They focus on adding reinforcement players and the draft.
Buffalo Sabres: They seek to end their long playoff drought.
Philadelphia Flyers: Rick Tocchet takes over as coach.
Seattle Kraken: They seek to consolidate with Mason Marchment and Ryan Lindgren.
Nashville Predators: They are betting on a resurgence with key moves.
Pittsburgh Penguins: With trade rumors, they evaluate the future of their stars.
San Jose Sharks: They add experience to their defense.
Chicago Blackhawks: They await the renewal of Connor Bedard and the development of their young squad.
