The 2024-25 NHL season is drawing to a close, with the Stanley Cup playoffs commencing on April 19th.
In this week`s power rankings – our final regular-season update – we`re forecasting what to anticipate from each team in the 2025-26 season.
ESPN analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash have categorized each team into four tiers: Stanley Cup contender, playoff team, on the bubble, and still developing/draft lottery. Victoria assessed the Western Conference teams, while Sean covered the East.
Ranking Methodology: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors submits a 1-32 poll based on games up to Wednesday, which compiles our definitive list.
Note: Previous ranking for each team references the edition published on April 4th. Point percentages are current as of Thursday`s games.
1. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 70.9%
Stanley Cup contender. Defense is key to winning championships. It`s hard to imagine why the league`s best defensive team wouldn`t be a top contender again next season, especially with a Hart Trophy candidate in goal, Connor Hellebuyck, and consistent scoring from Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and defenseman Josh Morrissey.
Remaining games: @ CHI (April 12), vs. EDM (April 13), vs. ANA (April 16)
2. Washington Capitals
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.9%
Playoff team. It feels almost insulting to categorize a Presidents` Trophy contender as merely “on the bubble” for next season, yet it`s a tempting thought for these Capitals. After all, they were considered as much at the start of this season. Was this a Cinderella story coinciding with Alex Ovechkin`s exceptional year? Or are these Capitals here to stay, competing for the Cup even after Ovechkin turns 40? Let`s meet in the middle and label them a playoff team.
Remaining games: @ CBJ (April 12), vs. CBJ (April 13), @ NYI (April 15), @ PIT (April 17)
3. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 67.1%
Stanley Cup contender. As one of the league`s deepest teams, the Stars can still win even without one of the best defensemen in the game, and Miro Heiskanen`s absence won`t last forever. With Mikko Rantanen signed until 2032-33 and young Wyatt Johnston developing into a top player, they should remain competitive even as veterans like Matt Duchene enter free agency.
Remaining games: vs. UTA (April 12), @ DET (April 14), @ NSH (April 16)
4. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 66.5%
Stanley Cup contender. No Jonathan Marchessault or Chandler Stephenson? No problem! Competing without a hurt William Karlsson, a declining Alex Pietrangelo, and a quiet Tomas Hertl for two months? Still fine! If there`s one takeaway from the Knights` exceptionally well-managed eight-year history, it`s that they should never be counted out for winning it all. Also, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone are still excellent players.
Remaining games: vs. NSH (April 12), @ CGY (April 15), @ VAN (April 16)
5. Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 62.5%
Stanley Cup contender. As long as Nathan MacKinnon leads the attack and Cale Makar continues to excel as a perennial Norris Trophy contender, the Avalanche remain legitimate contenders. The other players, both new and returning, always seem to fit into their roles. Coach Jared Bednar likely deserves more recognition than he receives.
Remaining games: @ LA (April 12), @ ANA (April 13)
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 64.1%
Stanley Cup contender. With Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies all due for new contracts, no team faces a bigger offseason challenge than the Maple Leafs. How they handle this will be crucial in determining if they remain Stanley Cup contenders or become just another playoff team.
Remaining games: vs. MTL (April 12), @ CAR (April 13), @ BUF (April 15), vs. DET (April 17)
7. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 62.2%
Playoff team. The Hurricanes came out of the Mikko Rantanen situation slightly worse off, and are currently weaker than before it began. Alexander Nikishin could be a game-changer on defense when he arrives from the KHL, but acquiring Rantanen – or even retaining Martin Necas – would have elevated them into true Stanley Cup contention. This tier might feel too low for the Hurricanes, and the playoffs could be where they remind everyone of their true danger.
Remaining games: vs. NYR (April 12), vs. TOR (April 13), @ MTL (April 16), @ OTT (April 17)
8. Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 63.5%
Playoff team. The NHL`s second-best defensive team is still missing a prolific scorer or two to join the league`s elite. While Jim Hiller`s defensive approach is commendable, scoring goals is still crucial. Plus, future Hall of Famer Anze Kopitar is aging.
Remaining games: vs. COL (April 12), @ EDM (April 14), @ SEA (April 15), vs. CGY (April 17)
9. Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 62.2%
Stanley Cup contender. The Lightning have been dominant for so long with the same core that it might be beneficial to ease off and bring in fresh talent. However, as long as Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, and Andrei Vasilevskiy are performing at their peak, it`s hard to justify not going all-in every season.
Remaining games: vs. BUF (April 13), vs. FLA (April 15), @ NYR (April 17)
10. Edmonton Oilers
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 60.9%
On the bubble. How can a team with two genuine superstars, just months removed from a Game 7 Stanley Cup Final appearance, be considered a bubble team for 2025-26? Because they rank in the bottom half of the league in goals allowed and rely too heavily on those two megastar players.
Remaining games: vs. SJ (April 11), @ WPG (April 13), vs. LA (April 14), @ SJ (April 16)
11. Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 60.8%
Stanley Cup contender. The window of opportunity remains open as long as Sergei Bobrovsky performs consistently. Adding Seth Jones was a smart move, extending their contention in the East. However, Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Bobrovsky will be the key drivers in the playoffs. Acquiring Jones came at a cost – the Panthers have mortgaged their future beyond Bobrovsky. It would be reassuring to see a Plan B in net develop for 2025-26 and beyond.
Remaining games: vs. BUF (April 12), vs. NYR (April 14), @ TB (April 15)
12. St. Louis Blues
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 58.1%
Playoff team. The Blues` strong performance since the 4 Nations Face-Off break demonstrates their ability to compete with anyone, now that they are fully committed to Jim Montgomery`s system. The only factor preventing them from being considered top contenders might be their reliance on Robert Thomas to consistently produce two points per game.
Remaining games: @ SEA (April 12), vs. UTA (April 15)
13. Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 58.9%
Playoff team. While not flashy or highly productive, this Minnesota team is consistently effective at winning games – even when their best forwards, Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek, are absent, although their return is clearly beneficial, as seen this week. The underrated goaltending of Filip Gustavsson also contributes to their success.
Remaining games: @ CGY (April 11), @ VAN (April 12), vs. ANA (April 15)
14. Ottawa Senators
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 57.7%
Playoff team. Welcome to a period of competitive hockey for the foreseeable future. With a well-built, young core making their first postseason appearance together, the Senators are positioned to make this a regular occurrence. They have stable goaltending and will build on this playoff run, regardless of its length.
Remaining games: vs. MTL (April 11), vs. PHI (April 13), vs. CHI (April 15), vs. CAR (April 17)
15. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 57.1%
Stanley Cup contender. The pieces are in place; the Devils simply need to stay healthy. They were poised for deep playoff runs this season, but injuries to Jack Hughes (their best player), Jacob Markstrom, Dougie Hamilton, and Luke Hughes significantly hampered their chances. The core players are secured for years, but with a 35-year-old Markstrom in goal, the window isn`t as wide open. New Jersey needs to start next season healthy and ready for a true championship push.
Remaining games: vs. PIT (April 11), vs. NYI (April 13), @ BOS (April 15), vs. DET (April 16)
16. Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 56.4%
On the bubble. Led by Nazem Kadri and a revitalized Jonathan Huberdeau, the Flames, in a rebuilding phase, seem ahead of schedule. Continued development from Connor Zary and Matt Coronato, along with the debut of defensive prospect Zayne Parekh, should solidify Calgary`s playoff contention. Rookie goalie Dustin Wolf is also proving to be a significant asset.
Remaining games: vs. MIN (April 11), vs. SJ (April 13), vs. VGK (April 15), @ LA (April 17)
17. Montreal Canadiens
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.8%
On the bubble. This late-season push into playoff contention reflects effective team building and suggests the Canadiens can remain competitive in the near future. Adding top prospect Ivan Demidov for the playoff run signals the strength of their prospect pool. Sam Montembeault appears to be the solution in goal, although consistency remains a challenge (30th in save percentage despite some exceptional performances). If Montreal continues to build patiently, this could be the start of something significant.
Remaining games: @ OTT (April 11), @ TOR (April 12), vs. CHI (April 14), vs. CAR (April 16)
18. Vancouver Canucks
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 55.1%
On the bubble. If Elias Pettersson rediscovers his form, Brock Boeser regains his scoring touch (if he re-signs), and Thatcher Demko stays healthy, the Canucks should move forward positively from this dramatic season. Otherwise, Vancouver fans are in for more disappointment. Quinn Hughes can only do so much.
Remaining games: vs. MIN (April 12), vs. SJ (April 14), vs. VGK (April 16)
19. Utah Hockey Club
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 53.8%
On the bubble. Entering their first season in Utah, the team seems ready to challenge some of the stronger Western teams. A full season with a healthy Sean Durzi on defense, along with the development of forwards Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley, will be crucial.
Remaining games: @ DAL (April 12), @ NSH (April 14), @ STL (April 15)
20. New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 51.3%
Playoff team. The team`s power play success mirrors their point total, and the league appears to be adapting. This core gets another chance, with Igor Shesterkin, one of the league`s best goalies, secured for years. It`s likely the Rangers will find a way to revitalize their power play and come back stronger in 2025-26.
Remaining games: @ CAR (April 12), @ FLA (April 14), vs. TB (April 17)
21. Detroit Red Wings
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50.6%
On the bubble. The Red Wings are on the bubble, close to breaking through. If they don`t make significant moves in free agency, this core risks stagnation. They remained relatively healthy, had decent goaltending, and still missed the playoffs. This roster needs further adjustments to get them there in 2025-26.
Remaining games: @ TB (April 11), vs. DAL (April 14), @ NJ (April 16), @ TOR (April 17)
22. Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 51.9%
On the bubble. The Blue Jackets might just miss the playoffs, but they`ve shown they are close to becoming a consistent threat. Another season of strategic development could position this homegrown roster for a breakthrough. They still need a high-impact forward and a more reliable goalie tandem, but they have time to address these needs.
Remaining games: vs. WSH (April 12), @ WSH (April 13), @ PHI (April 15), vs. NYI (April 17)
23. New York Islanders
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.6%
Still developing. It may sound critical, especially with Ilya Sorokin in net, but where is the star power beyond that? Mathew Barzal is excellent, but historically, he hasn`t been the type to carry a team to the playoffs. Defenseman Noah Dobson regressed this season. Who else will step up to elevate the Islanders from the lower tier of the East?
Remaining games: @ PHI (April 12), @ NJ (April 13), vs. WSH (April 15), @ CBJ (April 17)
24. Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 49.4%
Still developing. Leo Carlsson is rapidly becoming an elite player. Rookie Cutter Gauthier is also showing great promise. Lukas Dostal, a pending restricted free agent, appears to be the long-term solution in goal. While close to challenging for a playoff spot, this young Ducks team is likely still a season away from taking that major step.
Remaining games: vs. COL (April 13), @ MIN (April 15), @ WPG (April 16)
25. Buffalo Sabres
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 48.7%
Still developing. Sabres fans have heard promises before, but there`s genuine potential here, and 2025-26 could finally be the year it materializes. Their top four defensemen are among the best young groups in the league, they have offensive talent, and promising goalies in development. However, it`s hard to move them into playoff contention if the only change by October is another summer without hockey in Buffalo.
Remaining games: @ FLA (April 12), @ TB (April 13), vs. TOR (April 15), vs. PHI (April 17)
26. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 48.1%
Still developing. Hopefully, the Penguins management has learned from how the Capitals managed an aging but still impactful Alex Ovechkin, and will attempt a similar `retool` to improve the next season or two for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Given the number of goals the Penguins allowed this season, changes in net are necessary. Late-season improvements from Tristan Jarry offer a glimmer of hope.
Remaining games: @ NJ (April 11), vs. BOS (April 13), vs. WSH (April 17)
27. Seattle Kraken
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.3%
Still developing. While the Kraken are collectively capable of making it difficult for opponents, star power drives this league. Until Seattle acquires that star quality – asking Jared McCann, Chandler Stephenson, or Matty Beniers to fill that role isn`t realistic – their team-effort approach will only take them so far.
Remaining games: vs. STL (April 12), vs. LA (April 15)
28. Philadelphia Flyers
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 46.8%
Draft lottery. Another season of development doesn`t seem sufficient to elevate this Flyers team. Matvei Michkov is a crucial piece, but it`s uncertain if the star center, defenseman, and goalie needed for contention are in their pipeline. At least one more high draft pick is needed, and two would be even more beneficial.
Remaining games: vs. NYI (April 12), @ OTT (April 13), vs. CBJ (April 15), @ BUF (April 17)
29. Boston Bruins
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 45.6%
Still developing. This season served as a wake-up call for Bruins fans accustomed to playoff appearances. A sharp decline to the bottom of the Eastern Conference shattered those expectations. Jeremy Swayman deserves better, and David Pastrnak remains a cornerstone, but a quick offseason fix might not be enough to return the Bruins to contention.
Remaining games: @ PIT (April 13), vs. NJ (April 15)
30. Nashville Predators
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 41.8%
On the bubble. Is this disastrous season an anomaly deserving of dismissal, or a sign of a bleak future? Barry Trotz and company must hope for the former, given the long-term contracts of many key players. Fortunately, the collective talent, including Steven Stamkos, Filip Forsberg, Jonathan Marchessault, Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros, is greater than the sum of this season`s disappointing results.
Remaining games: @ VGK (April 12), vs. UTA (April 14), vs. DAL (April 16)
31. Chicago Blackhawks
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 35.4%
Draft lottery. With few impactful prospects ready – forwards Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore, and defenseman Artyom Levshunov, won`t single-handedly transform the franchise – the Blackhawks could very well contend for last place again in 2025-26, despite having young star Connor Bedard as their top center.
Remaining games: vs. WPG (April 12), @ MTL (April 14), @ OTT (April 15)
32. San Jose Sharks
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 32.7%
Draft lottery. Despite the potential of Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, the Sharks still need to address their defensive issues. Allowing over 3.75 goals per game is unsustainable. GM Mike Grier still has significant work to do to strengthen this rebuilding team into a more balanced force.
Remaining games: @ EDM (April 11), @ CGY (April 13), @ VAN (April 14), vs. EDM (April 16)
