NHL Power Rankings: Offseason Analysis and 2025-26 Outlook
The NHL offseason, following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the draft, and free agency, offers a necessary respite. It’s the ideal time to analyze and update the Power Rankings of the 32 teams for the 2025-26 season. This edition of the Power Rankings includes an updated ranking from 1 to 32, as well as the most relevant stories for each team during the summer break.Classification Methodology: A panel of commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors from Alofoke Deportes evaluates the teams and sends their rankings, thus generating the final list.Note: The above ranking of each team refers to the final 2024-25 edition, published on April 11th.
1. Florida Panthers
Pre-playoffs ranking: 11 Stanley Cup Odds: +600 The Panthers celebrated their championship with enthusiasm and then secured the continuity of their key players: Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand. Will they be able to achieve the three-peat?2. Edmonton Oilers
Pre-playoffs ranking: 10 Stanley Cup Odds: +850 After a second consecutive loss in the Stanley Cup final, the team needs to reflect. Connor McDavid’s potential free agency in 2026 is a crucial issue. Furthermore, they must improve their performance in goal.3. Dallas Stars
Pre-playoffs ranking: 3 Stanley Cup Odds: +1000 Despite reaching the Western Conference finals, Peter DeBoer was replaced by Glen Gulutzan. 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 weren’t many high-impact free agents, the Hurricanes made a significant addition. How will Nikolaj Ehlers adapt to Rod Brind’Amour’s system? Will he be a key factor in the upcoming postseason?5. Vegas Golden Knights
Pre-playoff ranking: 4 Stanley Cup Odds: +850 The Golden Knights added Mitch Marner, which poses challenges in the salary cap, but it’s something they’re used to. Fans will be able to see Marner play in Toronto on January 23rd.6. Winnipeg Jets
Pre-playoffs ranking: 1 Stanley Cup Odds: +2500 The Presidents’ Trophy winners lost Nikolaj Ehlers but gained Jonathan Toews, a key player with three Stanley Cups who returns after health issues.7. Colorado Avalanche
Pre-playoffs ranking: 5 Stanley Cup Odds: +750 The first-round elimination was misleading, as it was against the Dallas Stars. The Avs believe they have solved their problem at the center of the second line with Brock Nelson. Do they have the depth needed for another Cup run?8. Toronto Maple Leafs
Pre-playoff ranking: 6 Stanley Cup Odds: +2000 Toronto’s quest for another Stanley Cup continues. They lost Mitch Marner but got Matthew Knies. The excitement is constant in the hockey center.9. Washington Capitals
Pre-playoffs ranking: 2 Stanley Cup Odds: +3000 Alex Ovechkin begins the 2025-26 season as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, three away from 900. The team hopes to go beyond the second round and give Ovi another Cup.10. Tampa Bay Lightning
Pre-playoff ranking: 9 Stanley Cup Odds: +1400 The Lightning continue to manage their roster within the salary cap. They extend Yanni Gourde and Gage Goncalves to strengthen their attack. Another long playoff run is possible, although they could face their rivals from Florida.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-playoff ranking: 13 Stanley Cup Odds: +4000 The possibility of signing Brock Nelson or Brock Boeser was considered. Instead, each renewed with their 2024-25 team. The arrival of Vladimir Tarasenko could be a key move if the forward regains his scoring form.13. New Jersey Devils
Pre-playoff ranking: 15 Stanley Cup Odds: +1600 The Devils haven’t made big changes, but Jake Allen’s renewal could be a good decision. How will Luke Hughes’ next contract affect other team decisions?14. St. Louis Blues
Pre-playoff ranking: 12 Stanley Cup Odds: +5000 After their participation in the playoffs, the summer has been quiet. They have no cap space to sign anyone.15. Ottawa Senators
Pre-playoffs ranking: 14 Stanley Cup Odds: +3500 GM Steve Staios is confident in internal growth. The one-year renewal of Claude Giroux was his most notable move.16. Montreal Canadiens
Pre-playoff ranking: 17 Stanley Cup Odds: +6000 After a surprising appearance in the playoffs, the Canadiens traded two first-round picks for 25-year-old defenseman Noah Dobson and offered him an eight-year contract. Will the playoffs be a constant for the Habs?17. New York Rangers
Pre-playoff ranking: 20 Stanley Cup Odds: +3000 The Rangers changed coaches and found a destination for K’Andre Miller. In addition, they signed Vladislav Gavrikov. Will it be enough to return to the playoffs?18. Calgary Flames
Pre-playoff ranking: 16 Stanley Cup Odds: +15000 GM Craig Conroy anticipates internal growth. Players who were looking to sign, signed with other teams. The team’s youth movement includes Dustin Wolf.19. Utah Mammoth
Pre-playoff ranking: 19 Stanley Cup Odds: +4000 GM Bill Armstrong made several moves to improve the team. They signed JJ Peterka, Nate Schmidt, and Brandon Tanev, and selected Caleb Desnoyers in the draft.20. Detroit Red Wings
Pre-playoff ranking: 21 Stanley Cup Odds: +10000 Detroit seeks to break its playoff drought. GM Steve Yzerman signed goaltender John Gibson.21. Vancouver Canucks
Pre-playoff ranking: 18 Stanley Cup Odds: +6000 They made a coaching change and signed Evander Kane. Brock Boeser’s renewal was a priority.22. Columbus Blue Jackets
Pre-playoff ranking: 22 Stanley Cup Odds: +10000 The Blue Jackets competed for a playoff spot. They made some additions, but there could be more moves.23. New York Islanders
Pre-playoff ranking: 23 Stanley Cup Odds: +10000 The new GM Mathieu Darche had an immediate impact, selecting an outstanding draft class and adding Jonathan Drouin.24. Anaheim Ducks
Pre-playoff ranking: 24 Stanley Cup Odds: +10000 The Ducks’ rebuild may be coming to an end. GM Pat Verbeek added Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund. In addition, they obtained a first-round pick.25. Boston Bruins
Pre-playoff ranking: 29 Stanley Cup Odds: +10000 Boston focused on reinforcing its squad and selected James Hagens in the draft. Will there be a big trade?26. Buffalo Sabres
Pre-playoff ranking: 25 Stanley Cup Odds: +20000 Will the playoff drought end this season? The Sabres don’t seem improved, and they could be worse.27. Philadelphia Flyers
Pre-playoff ranking: 28 Stanley Cup Odds: +7500 The Flyers hired Rick Tocchet as coach and selected nine players in the draft. They traded for Trevor Zegras.28. Seattle Kraken
Pre-playoff ranking: 27 Stanley Cup Odds: +30000 The Kraken have patiently built a balanced roster. Will they be able to advance in 2025-26?29. Nashville Predators
Pre-playoff ranking: 30 Stanley Cup Odds: +10000 The Predators made discreet moves to improve, including the trade for Nicolas Hague and the signings of Erik Haula and Nick Perbix.30. Pittsburgh Penguins
Pre-playoffs ranking: 26 Stanley Cup Odds: +20000 Speculation surrounds the continuity of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. GM Kyle Dubas is reinforcing the prospect ranks.31. San Jose Sharks
Pre-playoff ranking: 32 Stanley Cup Odds: +50000 GM Mike Grier added talent to the team. Michael Misa could debut. Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg were hired to reinforce the defense.32. Chicago Blackhawks
Pre-playoff ranking: 31 Stanley Cup Odds: +50000 Connor Bedard’s contract extension is the most anticipated move. GM Kyle Davidson focuses on the development of young players.
