The NHL’s offseason, compressed between the Stanley Cup playoffs, the draft, and free agency, is usually a period of relative calm in July and August. However, it’s the perfect time to update our power rankings for the 2025-26 season, where we analyze the 32 teams.
This edition includes, in addition to the updated ranking, the most important story for each team during the summer break.Ranking Methodology: A panel of commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors from Alofoke Deportes evaluates the teams from 1 to 32 based on their potential for the 2025-26 season, thus generating our definitive list.
Note: The previous ranking of each team corresponds to the final edition of the 2024-25 season, published on April 11.
Ilustración de ESPN
NHL Power Rankings: Heading into the 2025-26 Season
1. Florida Panthers
Pre-playoffs ranking: 11
Stanley Cup Odds: +600
The Panthers celebrated the Stanley Cup win in a big way and then secured the continuity of their key figures: Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand. Will they be able to repeat the feat?
2. Edmonton Oilers
Playoff ranking: 10
Stanley Cup Odds: +850
After a second consecutive loss in the Stanley Cup final, the team is in a moment of introspection. Connor McDavid’s possible free agency in 2026 is a crucial issue. Finding a more solid solution in the goal is a pending task.
3. Dallas Stars
Playoff ranking: 3
Stanley Cup Odds: +1000
Despite reaching the Western Conference final, Peter DeBoer was replaced by Glen Gulutzan as coach. How will the first full season of the Mikko Rantanen era be?
4. Carolina Hurricanes
Pre-playoffs ranking: 7
Stanley Cup Odds: +800
Although there were few high-impact free agents, the Hurricanes added a key player. How will Nikolaj Ehlers adapt to Rod Brind’Amour’s system? Will he be the deciding factor in the next postseason?
5. Vegas Golden Knights
Playoff pre-ranking: 4
Stanley Cup Odds: +850
The Knights added Mitch Marner, the biggest fish in free agency. Although this presents challenges with the salary cap, it’s nothing new for the team. Fans can mark the game against Toronto on January 23rd on their calendars.
6. Winnipeg Jets
Pre-playoffs ranking: 1
Stanley Cup Odds: +2500
The Presidents’ Trophy winners lost Nikolaj Ehlers, but added Jonathan Toews, a key player with three Stanley Cups who is returning after health issues.
Stanley Cup Odds: +750
The first-round elimination was misleading, as it was against the Dallas Stars. The Avs believe they have solved the second-line center problem with Brock Nelson. Do they have the depth needed for another Cup run?
8. Toronto Maple Leafs
Playoff ranking: 6
Stanley Cup Odds: +2000
The Stanley Cup quest continues for Toronto. They lost Mitch Marner, but secured Matthew Knies. Drama is always present in the center of the hockey world.
9. Washington Capitals
Pre-playoffs ranking: 2
Stanley Cup Odds: +3000
Alex Ovechkin starts the 2025-26 season as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, three goals away from 900. The Capitals hope to go further than the second round and give Ovi another chance at the Cup.
10. Tampa Bay Lightning
Pre-playoffs ranking: 9
Stanley Cup Odds: +1400
The Lightning continue to manage their roster within the salary cap, extending Yanni Gourde and Gage Goncalves. A long playoff run is possible, although they will likely have to overcome their Florida rivals.
11. Los Angeles Kings
Pre-playoffs ranking: 8
Stanley Cup Odds: +2000
After signing several veterans, the Kings created the best NHL calendar launch video. What an exciting summer!
12. Minnesota Wild
Pre-playoffs ranking: 13
Stanley Cup Odds: +4000
Although there was speculation about the arrival of Brock Nelson or Brock Boeser, both renewed with their teams. The incorporation of Vladimir Tarasenko could be a shrewd move if he regains his scoring touch.
13. New Jersey Devils
Pre-playoffs ranking: 15
Stanley Cup Odds: +1600
Aside from a few adjustments, the Devils didn’t do much this offseason, although re-signing Jake Allen could be a smart move. How will Luke Hughes’ next contract impact their decisions?
14. St. Louis Blues
Pre-playoffs ranking: 12
Stanley Cup Odds: +5000
After qualifying for the playoffs, the summer has been quiet for St. Louis. They don’t have the salary cap space for bold offers.
15. Ottawa Senators
Pre-playoffs ranking: 14
Stanley Cup Odds: +3500
GM Steve Staios trusts in internal growth. The one-year renewal of Claude Giroux was his most outstanding move.
16. Montreal Canadiens
Pre-playoffs ranking: 17
Stanley Cup Odds: +6000
After an unexpected playoff qualification, the Canadiens traded two first-round picks for defenseman Noah Dobson and gave him an eight-year contract. Will the playoffs be a regular occurrence for the Habs?
17. New York Rangers
Pre-playoffs ranking: 20
Stanley Cup Odds: +3000
The Rangers changed coaches and found a destination for K’Andre Miller. They signed Vladislav Gavrikov. Will it be enough to return to the postseason?
18. Calgary Flames
Pre-playoffs ranking: 16
Stanley Cup Odds: +15000
GM Craig Conroy expects internal growth. He didn’t feel the need to spend much in free agency. Dustin Wolf, Calder Trophy finalist, is a good base.
19. Utah Mammoth
Pre-playoffs ranking: 19
Stanley Cup Odds: +4000
GM Bill Armstrong made moves to improve the team: he signed JJ Peterka, Nate Schmidt and Brandon Tanev, and selected Caleb Desnoyers.
20. Detroit Red Wings
Pre-playoff ranking: 21
Stanley Cup Odds: +10000
Will the playoff drought end at Little Caesars Arena? Detroit signed goaltender John Gibson.
21. Vancouver Canucks
Pre-playoffs ranking: 18
Stanley Cup Odds: +6000
Besides the coaching change and the signing of Evander Kane, the team maintained continuity. Brock Boeser’s renewal was a good decision.
22. Columbus Blue Jackets
Pre-playoffs ranking: 22
Stanley Cup Odds: +10000
The Blue Jackets competed for the playoffs until the end. They made some additions. Will there be more moves from GM Don Waddell?
23. New York Islanders
Pre-playoff ranking: 23
Stanley Cup Odds: +10000
The new GM Mathieu Darche recruited promising players and signed Jonathan Drouin. A rising team.
24. Anaheim Ducks
Pre-playoffs ranking: 24
Stanley Cup Odds: +10000
The team added Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund, and they also got Roger McQueen in the draft.
25. Boston Bruins
Pre-playoff ranking: 29
Stanley Cup Odds: +10000
Boston has added depth. Will there be a big trade?
26. Buffalo Sabres
Pre-playoffs ranking: 25
Stanley Cup Odds: +20000
Will the playoff drought end? They don’t seem stronger than at the end of 2024-25.
27. Philadelphia Flyers
Pre-playoffs ranking: 28
Stanley Cup Odds: +7500
They hired Rick Tocchet as coach and selected a class of nine players. They also signed Trevor Zegras.
28. Seattle Kraken
Pre-playoffs ranking: 27
Stanley Cup Odds: +30000
They have built a balanced team. Will they be able to advance in 2025-26?
29. Nashville Predators
Pre-playoffs ranking: 30
Stanley Cup Odds: +10000
They made discreet moves to improve, including the signings of Nicolas Hague, Erik Haula, and Nick Perbix.
30. Pittsburgh Penguins
Pre-playoff ranking: 26
Stanley Cup Odds: +20000
It’s uncertain how long Crosby, Malkin, and Letang will play. GM Kyle Dubas has been reinforcing the farm system.
31. San Jose Sharks
Pre-playoff ranking: 32
Stanley Cup Odds: +50000
GM Mike Grier added talent to the team, including Michael Misa, Dmitry Orlov, and John Klingberg.
32. Chicago Blackhawks
Pre-playoff ranking: 31
Stanley Cup Odds: +50000
Connor Bedard’s contract extension is the most important move. GM Kyle Davidson focused on the development of his young roster.
