As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics continues, the NHL trade market remains active. This past week saw the New York Islanders bolster their roster significantly by acquiring defenseman Carson Soucy from the Rangers and forward Ondrej Palat from the Devils—both Metro Division rivals.
Following these major moves, ESPN presents its latest NHL Power Rankings, analyzing all 32 teams. Included with this updated list is a preview of the most crucial February matchup for each club, scheduled either before or after the Olympic break.
Ranking Methodology: These standings are determined by a weekly 1-32 poll submitted by a panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors, reflecting games played through Wednesday. (Note: Previous rankings refer to the Jan. 23 edition, and points percentages are current as of Thursday’s games.)
1. Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 76%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 26 vs. the Wild: Both of these organizations are all but officially heading to the playoffs. This game will serve as another key measuring stick as postseason projections begin to come into sharper focus.
Next Seven Days:
@ DET (Jan. 31), vs. DET (Feb. 2), vs. SJ (Feb. 4)
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.2%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 1 vs. the Bruins: For the second time this season, the NHL will host an outdoor game in Florida—this one possibly featuring pirates! (A playful nod to the Lightning’s Stadium Series uniforms.)
Next Seven Days:
vs. BOS (Feb. 1), vs. BUF (Feb. 3), vs. FLA (Feb. 5)
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 67%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 26 vs. the Lightning: The Eastern Conference playoff picture is chaotic, except at the very top, where the Canes and Bolts continue to dominate. If their respective seasons go as planned, this match will be a sneak peek at the Eastern Conference Finals.
Next Seven Days:
@ WSH (Jan. 31), vs. LA (Feb. 1), vs. OTT (Feb. 3), @ NYR (Feb. 5)
4. Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 65.5%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 27 at the Mammoth: The Wild seem securely positioned in one of the Central Division’s top three playoff spots. However, a rising threat from Utah, the Mammoth, beat the Wild 6-2 back in October, making this a critical rematch.
Next Seven Days:
@ EDM (Jan. 31), vs. MTL (Feb. 2), @ NSH (Feb. 4)
5. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 65.7%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 2 vs. the Jets: Although these teams are in different spots in the standings, their franchise goaltenders represent two-thirds of the best netminding group heading to the Olympics. Will this contest feature Jake Oettinger versus Connor Hellebuyck?
Next Seven Days:
@ UTAH (Jan. 31), vs. WPG (Feb. 2), vs. STL (Feb. 4)
6. Buffalo Sabres
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 63.2%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 2, 27 at the Panthers: The Sabres’ recent hot streak has placed them third in the Atlantic Division. To maintain that position, they must fend off teams like the Panthers, whom they will face twice this month.
Next Seven Days:
vs. MTL (Jan. 31), @ FLA (Feb. 2), @ TB (Feb. 3), vs. PIT (Feb. 5)
7. Detroit Red Wings
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 63.6%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 2 at the Avalanche: The Red Wings-Avalanche rivalry was once the most explosive in professional sports. Though it has quieted, a scheduling quirk sees the two teams meet twice in rapid succession: first in Detroit (Jan. 31), followed by this matchup in Denver.
Next Seven Days:
vs. COL (Jan. 31), @ COL (Feb. 2), @ UTAH (Feb. 4)
8. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 62.5%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 3 at the Islanders: The Penguins-Islanders rivalry is often underrated, and based on current standings, it looks like it could be renewed in the first round of the playoffs. Will tempers flare in this late-season contest?
Next Seven Days:
vs. NYR (Jan. 31), vs. OTT (Feb. 2), @ NYI (Feb. 3), @ BUF (Feb. 5)
9. Montreal Canadiens
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 62%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 28 vs. the Capitals: Both the Canadiens and the Capitals are caught in a tight logjam of teams fighting for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spots. Could this game prove to be a pivotal point in both clubs’ trajectories?
Next Seven Days:
@ BUF (Jan. 31), @ MIN (Feb. 2), @ WPG (Feb. 4)
10. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 60.4%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 27 at the Capitals: Is this the 2018 Stanley Cup Final revenge game? If nothing else, this matchup provides a preview of what could be another epic Cup Final if the chips fall right this spring.
Next Seven Days:
vs. SEA (Jan. 31), @ ANA (Feb. 1), vs. VAN (Feb. 4), vs. LA (Feb. 5)
11. Boston Bruins
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 60.9%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 1 vs. the Lightning: The Stadium Series always delivers a spectacle, and this year’s edition is no exception. Beyond the novelty, the Bruins vs. Lightning game is critically important as it relates to the Atlantic Division playoff picture.
Next Seven Days:
vs. TB (Feb. 1), @ FLA (Feb. 4)
12. Utah Mammoth
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 55.6%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 25 vs. the Avalanche: This will be the Mammoth`s last chance to defeat the Avs this season unless they meet in the playoffs. Every game so far has been decided by just one goal; expect similar drama here.
Next Seven Days:
vs. DAL (Jan. 31), vs. VAN (Feb. 2), vs. DET (Feb. 4)
13. Edmonton Oilers
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 58.2%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 4 at the Flames: The Oilers and Flames may occupy different spots in the standings, but there is still nothing quite like a high-stakes Battle of Alberta matchup.
Next Seven Days:
vs. MIN (Jan. 31), vs. TOR (Feb. 3), @ CGY (Feb. 4)
14. New York Islanders
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 60.2%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 5 at the Devils: Entering the season, expectations were that one team would fight for the Metro Division’s top spot and the other would be near the conference basement—but the teams reversed roles! Will the Islanders use this game to put more distance between themselves and their rivals?
Next Seven Days:
vs. NSH (Jan. 31), @ WSH (Feb. 2), vs. PIT (Feb. 3), @ NJ (Feb. 5)
15. Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.7%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 5 at the Lightning: While the Battle of Alberta is iconic, the Battle of Florida is rapidly closing in on that level, and recent showdowns between these teams have been superb.
Next Seven Days:
vs. WPG (Jan. 31), vs. BUF (Feb. 2), vs. BOS (Feb. 4)
16. Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 54.6%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 1 vs. the Golden Knights: Although the Knights hold a strong lead in the standings, both previous contests between the teams this season went Anaheim`s way. Can the Ducks secure another two critical points here?
Next Seven Days:
vs. VGK (Feb. 1), vs. SEA (Feb. 3)
17. Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 54.8%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 26 vs. the Oilers: The Kings have lost four straight first-round playoff series to the Oilers. Currently, they are not in a playoff spot, meaning they are avoiding that matchup—for now. Can L.A. defeat its recurring tormentor and snag those crucial points?
Next Seven Days:
@ PHI (Jan. 31), @ CAR (Feb. 1), vs. SEA (Feb. 4), @ VGK (Feb. 5)
18. San Jose Sharks
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 55.8%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 2 at the Blackhawks: Beyond the valuable points on the line for the Sharks in their playoff battle, this game will feature a matchup between two of the NHL’s brightest young stars: San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini and Chicago’s Connor Bedard.
Next Seven Days:
@ CGY (Jan. 31), @ CHI (Feb. 2), @ COL (Feb. 4)
19. Seattle Kraken
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 55.7%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 28 at the Canucks: In the future, both Seattle and Vancouver are expected to be good simultaneously, fostering an elite regional rivalry. For the present, games like this are pretty much must-wins for Seattle as they cling to the playoff race.
Next Seven Days:
@ VGK (Jan. 31), @ ANA (Feb. 3), @ LA (Feb. 4)
20. Philadelphia Flyers
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 53.8%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 26 at the Rangers: The Flyers have been inconsistent recently, including suffering a six-game losing streak. With the Rangers publicly engaging in a rebuild, this is a winnable matchup Philadelphia desperately needs.
Next Seven Days:
vs. LA (Jan. 31), vs. WSH (Feb. 3), vs. OTT (Feb. 5)
21. Ottawa Senators
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 53.8%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 28 at the Maple Leafs: Less than a year ago, these two clubs met in the playoffs. While it seems unlikely both will make it back this season, the Battle of Ontario always brings excitement.
Next Seven Days:
vs. NJ (Jan. 31), @ PIT (Feb. 2), @ CAR (Feb. 3), @ PHI (Feb. 5)
22. Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 54.8%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 26 at the Bruins: The Blue Jackets have been hot lately, winning seven of their last eight games. To gain playoff position, they must leapfrog teams like the Bruins, who they face in their first post-Olympics contest.
Next Seven Days:
@ CHI (Jan. 30), @ STL (Jan. 31), @ NJ (Feb. 3), vs. CHI (Feb. 4)
23. Washington Capitals
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 53.6%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 3 at, Feb. 25 vs. the Flyers: After finishing atop the Eastern Conference regular-season standings in 2024-25, the Capitals are now in serious danger of missing the postseason entirely. This pair of games against the Flyers, who are currently ahead of them, offers four crucial points to avoid that fate.
Next Seven Days:
vs. CAR (Jan. 31), vs. NYI (Feb. 2), @ PHI (Feb. 3), vs. NSH (Feb. 5)
24. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 52.8%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 25, 26 at the Lightning, Panthers: It’s common for Canadians to vacation in Florida during the winter, but this post-Olympics road back-to-back is strictly a business trip for the Maple Leafs—one that could ultimately make or break their playoff chances.
Next Seven Days:
@ VAN (Jan. 31), @ CGY (Feb. 2), @ EDM (Feb. 3)
25. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 53.7%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 5 vs. the Islanders: Will Ondrej Palat receive a tribute video during the first television timeout? The veteran winger’s stint with the Devils didn’t pan out as hoped, but this game marks his first return trip to the Prudential Center.
Next Seven Days:
@ OTT (Jan. 31), vs. CBJ (Feb. 3), vs. NYI (Feb. 5)
26. Nashville Predators
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 50.9%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 26 vs. the Blackhawks: It appears the top three Central Division spots are claimed by the Avalanche, Stars, and Wild. However, the wild-card race remains wide open, with the Predators and Blackhawks squarely in the thick of it.
Next Seven Days:
@ NYI (Jan. 31), vs. STL (Feb. 2), vs. MIN (Feb. 4), @ WSH (Feb. 5)
27. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.2%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 25 at the Canucks: The Canucks’ rebuild is already underway, with players like Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood traded. Rumors suggest others may follow before March 6. Might the Jets join the group of teams looking to sell?
Next Seven Days:
@ FLA (Jan. 31), @ DAL (Feb. 2), vs. MTL (Feb. 4)
28. Chicago Blackhawks
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.2%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 28 at the Avalanche: While the Avalanche have dominated most of the NHL this season, their lone game against the Blackhawks so far was a narrow 1-0 victory. Will the upstart visitors deliver another thrilling contest?
Next Seven Days:
vs. CBJ (Jan. 30), vs. SJ (Feb. 2), @ CBJ (Feb. 4)
29. New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 45.5%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 28 vs. the Penguins: At this point, it seems unlikely the Rangers will contend, as the club has openly begun trading away key players, including Artemi Panarin. Nevertheless, there’s always something special when hockey superstars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and company lace up at Madison Square Garden.
Next Seven Days:
@ PIT (Jan. 31), vs. CAR (Feb. 5)
30. Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 45.3%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 4 vs. the Oilers: For many teams in the lower section of the Power Rankings, the dog days of February can be bleak. However, another round of the Battle of Alberta should be enough to get the blood pumping.
Next Seven Days:
vs. SJ (Jan. 31), vs. TOR (Feb. 2), vs. EDM (Feb. 4)
31. St. Louis Blues
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 45.4%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 28 vs. the Devils: Will Blues GM Doug Armstrong make franchise-altering trades ahead of March 6, or even before the Feb. 4 pre-Olympics roster freeze? Rumors suggest Jordan Kyrou may be available, potentially headed to New Jersey. If that deal materializes, this contest would mark his first game back at the Enterprise Center.
Next Seven Days:
vs. CBJ (Jan. 31), @ NSH (Feb. 2), @ DAL (Feb. 4)
32. Vancouver Canucks
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 38%
Key February Matchup:
Feb. 28 at the Kraken: With each passing game, players seem to be leaving the Canucks’ lineup, either via trade (like Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood) or injury (like Thatcher Demko or Brock Boeser). If nothing else, by the end of this game against Seattle, Vancouver will be one month closer to the end of a difficult 2025-26 season.
Next Seven Days:
vs. TOR (Jan. 31), @ UTAH (Feb. 2), @ VGK (Feb. 4)
