NHL Power Rankings: Every team’s MVP so far
The quarter mark of the 2022-23 NHL season is fast approaching, as teams will hit game No. 20 on their schedules within the coming days. To mark the occasion, we’ve identified the MVP for all 32 teams, presented in conjunction with this week’s updated 1-32 power rankings.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 11. Points paces are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 0.882
Next seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 19), @ TB (Nov. 21), @ FLA (Nov. 23)
Hampus Lindholm is a revelation. He held the fort on Boston’s back end until Charlie McAvoy returned, and helped get the Bruins off to a franchise-best start. Yes, David Pastrnak is great too, but Lindholm elevated his game to dynamic new heights while averaging over a point-per-game, earning a plus-18 rating and generally dominating every shift.
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 0.824
Next seven days: @ OTT (Nov. 19), vs. EDM (Nov. 21), vs. TOR (Nov. 23)
Nico Hischier is on a mission; the Devils’ captain has developed into a two-way force. Hischier’s work ethic combined with talent (17 points in 15 games) and leadership acumen make him a true triple threat. As New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff noted, this is the best version of Hischier so far, and he should be in the conversation for the Selke Trophy.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 0.778
Next seven days: @EDM (Nov. 19), @ VAN (Nov. 21), vs. OTT (Nov. 23)
Logan Thompson is a fortress in net. It’s tough to get a puck by him. The Golden Knights’ goaltending was a question mark until Thompson answered the bell with confidence. Vegas reaps the rewards of that stability everywhere else, and the team’s standout scoring depth (led by Jack Eichel, Chandler Stephenson, et al) and solid back end provide Thompson with great support to be at his best.
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 0.647
Next seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 19), @ WPG (Nov. 21), vs. ARI (Nov. 23)
Andrei Svechnikov gives life to Carolina’s offense. He’s been humming along this season with impressive output right alongside ride-or-die, top-line teammate Sebastian Aho. So, who’s the real MVP? Like the NHL in 2004, we’ll allow for a tie here. Svechnikov and Aho work seamlessly together and apart. Carolina is lucky to have them both firing.
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 0.700
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 19), vs. CAR (Nov. 21), @ MIN (Nov. 23)
Connor Hellebuyck is back on top. The goalie appeared fully recovered from last season’s downturn with an accomplished start, collecting two shutouts in 11 games and sterling stats, too. Hellebuyck’s resurgence has propelled Winnipeg to unexpectedly strong results early on. Good for the Jets, and good for Hellebuyck in a contract year.
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 0.647
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Nov. 19), vs. COL (Nov. 21), vs. CHI (Nov. 23)
Jason Robertson is worth the investment. He’s lived up to the promise of that new contract with eye-popping output and an emerging two-way game that’s giving the Stars a real boost. Robertson is fortunate to skate with linemates Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz, too, forming a trio that oozes more chemistry than it does offense. Robertson’s talents are right in the thick of it.
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 0.611
Next seven days: @ DAL (Nov. 19), @ TOR (Nov. 21), vs. EDM (Nov. 23)
Ilya Sorokin is among the league’s hottest — and most unheralded, thus far — goaltenders. He routinely holds the Islanders in games with outstanding saves and has backstopped New York to some stirring come-from-behind wins. That breeds confidence in a team, and the Islanders are latching onto it.
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 0.633
Next seven days: @ WSH (Nov. 19), @ DAL (Nov. 21, vs. VAN (Nov. 23)
Mikko Rantanen does it all for the Avs. While forward injuries have piled up — including to Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin — Rantanen has been excellent filling in the gaps with consistent scoring, and a physical two-way game that’s generating opportunities for him and whatever teammate is nearby to collect a great pass.
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 0.611
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 19), vs. NYI (Nov. 21), @ NJ (Nov. 23)
John Tavares is channeling Steven Stamkos. The Leafs’ captain is on pace for a career year at 32 — much like the one Stamkos put together last season in Tampa Bay. Toronto has needed every bit of Tavares’ reliability. He’s a top asset on the Leafs’ power play and has had terrific chemistry with William Nylander — also off to a hot start — that’s helped mitigate some of Toronto’s other goal-scoring struggles. Now, what more can Tavares do with new linemate Mitchell Marner on his wing?
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 0.559
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Nov. 19), @ CBJ (No. 20), vs. BOS (Nov. 23)
Brandon Montour has stepped it up. When Aaron Ekblad got hurt it was Montour rising to the occasion to steady their back end. The 28-year-old has been shouldering nearly 26 minutes of ice time per game, and he’s on track to beat all personal career-high offensive marks with 16 points in 14 games alone. Ekblad is easing back in post-injury, but the Panthers will keep leaning on Montour’s dependability.
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 0.618
Next seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 19), vs. BOS (Nov. 21)
Nikita Kucherov is earning plenty of accolades. The veteran wore an “A” this month for the first time in his nine-year career, proof he’s more than just the Lightning’s top sniper. Kucherov has the latter role down pat. First, there was the 11-game point streak, over which Kucherov netted 20 points. Then there’s the confidence Kucherov injects into each game, making the Lightning look dangerous even on their off nights. That’s a special skill.
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 0.605
Next seven days: @ VAN (Nov. 18), @ SEA (Nov. 19), vs. NYR (Nov. 22)
Gabriel Vilardi has officially arrived. The forward is making up for lost time after years of injury issues as L.A.’s newest scoring threat. He was the first King to hit double-digit goals, has a monster 21.3% shooting percentage and is shaping up to be a dual threat who can drive play for L.A.
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 0.556
Next seven days: @ SJ (Nov. 19), @ LA (Nov. 22), @ ANA (Nov. 23)
Adam Fox is excelling everywhere. New York’s top defenseman has the stamina to carry nearly 25 minutes per game while generating the second most points for his team this season. Fox’s ability to body skaters off pucks, manufacture rush chances and be a key playmaker adds up to inspired returns night after night.
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 0.618
Next seven days: vs. LA (Nov. 19), vs. SJ (Nov. 23)
Chris Tanev is putting in work. Seattle’s forward has excelled at both 5-on-5 (registering 10 points in 16 games) and been a top-end performer on the Kraken’s penalty kill. Tanev can be a menace almost anywhere, whether blocking shots or teeing up teammates in transition. Seattle has to hope Tanev can stay healthy enough to keep the good times rolling.
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 0.529
Next seven days: vs. VGK (Nov. 19), @ NJ (Nov. 21), @ NYI (Nov. 23)
Connor McDavid remains otherworldly. Edmonton’s captain led the league with 15 goals and 32 points through 17 tilts and continues to create more highlight-reel-worthy moments per night than he averages points per game. Which is a lot. Rinse, repeat, for the two-time Hart Trophy winner.
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 0.588
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Nov. 19), vs. NSH (Nov. 23)
Ville Husso came as advertised. Detroit needed a No. 1 netminder, and Husso fits the bill with standout performances, key stops and solid numbers. It’s rare for Husso to give up a truly bad goal. The more support Detroit can offer Husso — from the hot sticks of Dylan Larkin and Dominik Kubalik especially — the faster these Red Wings could climb the standings.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 0.500
Next seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 19), @ PHI (Nov. 21), @ PIT (Nov. 23)
Nazem Kadri won’t be stopped. The Flames’ center wields his unique blend of skill, speed, physicality and grit to pull Calgary into the fight each night. Kadri has been an offensive catalyst through his team’s ups and downs so far, remaining notably consistent with his 5-on-5 production and on special teams. Calgary needs more of that from everyone.
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 0.500
Next seven days: vs. ANA (Nov. 19), vs. ANA (Nov. 21), @ BUF (Nov. 23)
Jordan Binnington is back to being the Blues’ backbone. His recent 4-0-0 run came with a 2.25 goals-against average and .936 save percentage, and included a 45-save performance against the reigning Stanley Cup champions in Colorado. Binnington’s helped get St. Louis on stable ground following a rocky stretch of eight consecutive losses.
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 0.471
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Nov. 19), vs. WPG (Nov. 23)
Marc-Andre Fleury can still steal a win. His tough start evaporated when Fleury reeled off a 5-2-0 record with .939 SV% into mid-November that sheltered Minnesota’s slow-moving offense (28th overall). The Wild couldn’t have asked for a better rebound from their goaltender — making it especially hard to see Fleury suddenly sidelined this week by an injury.
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 0.500
Next seven days: @ WPG (Nov. 19), @ CHI (Nov. 20), vs. CGY (Nov. 23)
Jason Zucker goes hard every shift. Zucker is a trusted presence for the Penguins up front. He puts pucks in the net and feeds off his reenergized linemate — and fellow team MVP candidate — Evgeni Malkin. Zucker brings an infectious energy when the Penguins lack for it elsewhere.
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 0.500
Next seven days: @ MTL (Nov. 19), vs. CGY (Nov. 21), @ WSH (Nov. 23)
Carter Hart is back on track, after well-documented struggles in recent campaigns. The young goaltender has held Philadelphia above water despite all manner of inconsistency in front of him. Hart’s 6-2-3 record with .929 SV% at the mid-November mark was hard-earned through several terrific individual performances. Hart always gives the Flyers a chance.
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 0.500
Next seven days: vs. TB (Nov. 19), vs. ARI (Nov. 21), @ DET (Nov. 23)
Filip Forsberg plays well with others. The Predators have had trouble finding the right mix up front, but Nashville’s scoring leader elevates just about anyone. That provides the underwhelming Predators with some stability and hope that their offense can keep bouncing back and find its form.
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 0.447
Next seven days: vs. COL (Nov. 19), vs. PHI (Nov. 23)
Alex Ovechkin is fun to watch. The Great 8’s milestone hunt is the most engaging part of this Capitals’ campaign (so far, anyway). And along the way there’s been dazzling dangles, pretty passes and timely tallies to push Washington towards its full potential.
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 0.500
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Nov. 19), vs. BUF (Nov. 22), @ CBJ (Nov. 23)
Nick Suzuki takes his role seriously. The Canadiens’ captain leads with passion and makes the most of offensive opportunities. He and linemate Cole Caufield have enviable chemistry that’s produced a landslide of goals to power Montreal through an unexpectedly solid start. All the Canadiens could ask for is more, please.
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 0.406
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 19), @ SJ (Nov. 21), @ VGK (Nov. 23)
Jake Sanderson has turned heads. The 20-year-old is helping anchor Ottawa’s blue line through its crush of injuries — and disappointing start — with hard-nosed effort and strong defensive skills that reflect how he’s maturing before the Senators’ eyes. Sanderson gamely took on more minutes as well with Thomas Chabot sidelined. He’s a beacon for Ottawa’s back end.
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 0.412
Next seven days: @ TOR (Nov. 19), @ MTL (Nov. 22), vs. STL (Nov. 23)
Rasmus Dahlin is growing towards stardom. He’s honed reliable defensive details, and is an elusive puck-moving playmaker with high-end vision and a terrific first pass that can quickly put Buffalo on the attack. The early Norris Trophy noise Dahlin generated? Well-deserved.
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 0.382
Next seven days: vs. LA (Nov. 18), vs. VGK (Nov. 21), @ COL (Nov. 23)
Bo Horvat is leading by example. Vancouver’s captain can’t quiet all the outside noise, but he can keep scoring at an alarming rate (14 goals in 17 games), playing good defense and offering the Canucks a blueprint on how best to battle through their many challenges.
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 0.469
Next seven days: @ BOS (Nov. 19), vs. PIT (Nov. 20), @ DAL (Nov. 23)
Jonathan Toews is back on track. Chicago’s captain hasn’t played this well in years, pacing the Blackhawks in goals (seven) through 16 games and boasting an eye-popping 65.4% face-off winning percentage. That elite skill alone can swing momentum in Chicago’s favor, and puts Toews’ game-changing abilities repeatedly on display.
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 0.406
Next seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 21), @ CAR (Nov. 23)
Clayton Keller is elite. It’s one thing to be the stimulant behind Arizona’s even-strength offense. But Keller has also shaped the Coyotes’ dominant power play into a behemoth that’s ranked top five in the NHL (29.6%). Regardless of where Arizona plays, count on Keller to create something worth watching.
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 0.395
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Nov. 19), vs. OTT (Nov. 21), @ SEA (Nov. 23)
Erik Karlsson‘s name is trending — in early Norris Trophy buzz, and trade rumors — so he must be doing something right. The revitalized blueliner is San Jose’s best asset on both sides of the puck, hitting 10 goals and 24 points in 18 games amid 25-plus minutes of average ice time. The Sharks limit 5-on-5 scoring chances and shots against demonstrably better when Karlsson is on the ice. No surprise he’d be an attractive trade target — though with full trade protection it’d have to be the right situation.
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 0.406
Next seven days: vs. DET (Nov. 19), vs. FLA (Nov. 20), vs. MTL (Nov. 23)
Johnny Gaudreau brings fans out of their seats. That cannon is loud, after all. Columbus’ top-line winger produced six goals in his first 15 games as a Blue Jacket — each one scored at home. While Columbus has weathered mounting injury problems and sub-optimal results, Gaudreau’s talents remain on display and give Blue Jackets’ faithful something to cheer about.
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 0.324
Next seven days: @ STL (Nov. 19), @ STL (Nov. 21), vs. NYR (Nov. 23)
Trevor Zegras deserved better. Amid a not-so-fun season for the Ducks, Zegras continues to dominate with first-rate talent and skill that produced another Michigan-style lacrosse goal this month — which was called back upon offside review. Terrible. But that doesn’t diminish Zegras’ prowess or how it’s something to stay hopeful about in Anaheim.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two NASCAR teams, one owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, on Tuesday argued to a federal judge why the organizations still should be issued a preliminary injunction to be recognized as chartered organizations until their antitrust suit against the stock car racing series is finished.
The 11-page filing in U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina was in response to NASCAR notifying Judge Kenneth Bell it would not redistribute any charters to new participants while the case heads toward its Dec. 1 court date. NASCAR’s backtrack Friday came one day after an acrimonious hearing that included the disclosure of expletive-laden emails and text messages from Jordan and other high-profile litigants.
23XI Racing, the team owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, are suing NASCAR over antitrust claims regarding the charter system. A charter is the equivalent of a franchise and guarantees chartered cars both a spot in the 40-car field each week, as well as a significantly larger chunk of payouts.
NASCAR last September, after more than two years of contentious negotiations, presented teams with its final offer on charter extensions; 13 organization signed the agreements, but 23XI and Front Row refused.
The two teams initially won a preliminary injunction to be recognized as chartered for this season until a jury verdict on the antitrust allegations. That was overturned, and 23XI and FRM are currently competing as “open” teams. NASCAR wants the money back the teams were paid during the portion of the season they were chartered.
The teams also have appealed to have the chartered status reinstated, but NASCAR argued in court last week it has an interested buyer for one of the six charters previously held by 23XI and FRM, and it plans to immediately begin redistributing the charters. NASCAR backtracked after Thursday’s hearing, and a ruling on the preliminary injunction is expected to come from Bell this week.
NASCAR maintains that in holding off on redistributing charters, 23XI and FRM are no longer in danger of suffering irreparable harm. The teams countered Tuesday the threat still exists “because of the risk of breach claims from their irreplaceable drivers and loss of sponsors in the absence of charter rights.”
Tyler Reddick of 23XI has a clause in his contract that says the team would be in breach if his Toyota is not chartered. Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney for the two teams, indicated in court that Reddick has notified 23XI it is in breach.
Kessler also argued that NASCAR agreeing not to redistribute any charters now “does not moot Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction or eliminate Plaintiffs’ irreparable harm if no relief is provided.”
The 13 teams that are chartered are becoming frustrated with the case — Bell warned last week the entire charter system is in danger of imploding if a settlement is not reached — and the non-suing teams believe their valuations are being harmed by the litigation.
Dan Towriss, the majority owner of the Spire Motorsports’ NASCAR team, as well as owner of Cadillac F1, Andretti Global and other motorsports properties, said he was “very disappointed with the direction” the lawsuit has taken.
“We had meetings with the NASCAR brass a few weeks ago and it’s ‘How can we help?'” Towriss said at last weekend’s IndyCar season finale. “What we saw [in court], what was released in that case is very inconsistent with what they [NASCAR] say privately. And so I need to understand, ‘Who am I dealing with? Which one is it? Is it the people we meet with privately, or is what you say when we’re not around?'”
Towriss said he’d also like to see NASCAR reach a settlement with 23XI and FRM.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A federal judge on Wednesday denied two teams — one owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan — a preliminary injunction in their antitrust suit against NASCAR to be recognized as chartered teams for the remainder of the season.
Judge Kenneth Bell of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina said there was no reason to issue 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports the injunction because NASCAR last Friday vowed not to sell the six charters the teams previously held until the end of the legal battle.
Bell has repeatedly said he doesn’t want to rule on the likelihood of one side prevailing over the other, and reiterated that Wednesday.
“As the Court noted at the hearing on this motion, the Court believes that it is best not to provide its forecast of the Plaintiffs’ likelihood of success on the merits, and thereby potentially bias the jury pool, unless it is necessary to do so, which is not here,” Bell wrote.
He also cautioned on what the landscape of NASCAR may look like if the case is not settled before trial.
“The uncertainty about what the 2026 season will look like unfortunately exists not just for the Parties, but for the other teams, drivers, crews, sponsors, broadcasters, and most regrettably, the fans,” he wrote.
NASCAR in a statement said the ruling “brings much-needed clarity to the remainder of the 2025 NASCAR season.”
“For nearly 80 years, NASCAR and the France family have championed a bold vision by taking many personal and financial risks to build a sport that fuels livelihoods, inspires generations, and delivers world-class competition,” NASCAR said. “That commitment remains unwavering, and we will continue to defend the integrity of NASCAR and preserve the values that have guided its growth.
“To the fans: We won’t let this lawsuit distract from what matters most — delivering the unforgettable moments you’ve come to expect from our great sport and crowning the next NASCAR Cup Series champion on November 2.”
The trial is set for Dec. 1.
“With trial in this matter now less than three months away and the season on its proverbial last laps, NASCAR has agreed to extend those representations, in material effect,” Bell wrote in denying the motion for a preliminary injunction.
“This will effectively maintain the status quo pending a final decision on the merits and any permanent injunctive relief following trial that is, Plaintiffs will be able to race and disputed Charters will not be sold or otherwise transferred.”
Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for the teams suing NASCAR, wasn’t necessarily disappointed by the ruling.
“We are grateful that Judge Bell has made clear that the status quo is being maintained — protecting my clients’ rights to regain their charters if they prevail at trial and ensuring their ability to continue racing through the 2025 season based on NASCAR’s commitments,” Kessler said. “Equally important, Judge Bell reaffirmed his broad power to order meaningful changes in NASCAR should we succeed, so that teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans can benefit from a sport positioned for long-term growth and restored competition.
“We are ready to present our case at trial in December.”
23XI Racing, the team owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, are suing NASCAR over antitrust claims regarding the charter system. A charter is the equivalent of a franchise and guarantees chartered cars both a spot in the 40-car field each week, as well as a significantly larger chunk of payouts.
NASCAR last September, after more than two years of contentious negotiations, presented teams with its final offer on charter extensions; 13 organization signed the agreements, but 23XI and Front Row refused.
The two teams initially won a preliminary injunction to be recognized as chartered for this season until a jury verdict on the antitrust allegations. That was overturned, and 23XI and FRM are currently competing as “open” teams. NASCAR wants the money back the teams were paid during the portion of the season they were chartered.
The teams also have appealed to have the chartered status reinstated, but NASCAR argued in court last week it has an interested buyer for one of the six charters previously held by 23XI and FRM, and it plans to immediately begin redistributing the charters. NASCAR backtracked after Thursday’s hearing.
NASCAR maintains that in holding off on redistributing charters, 23XI and FRM are no longer in danger of suffering irreparable harm. The teams countered Tuesday the threat still exists “because of the risk of breach claims from their irreplaceable drivers and loss of sponsors in the absence of charter rights.”
Tyler Reddick of 23XI has a clause in his contract that says the team would be in breach if his Toyota is not chartered. Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney for the two teams, indicated in court that Reddick has notified 23XI it is in breach.
Bell wrote in his Wednesday decision that “the loss of the ‘fixed’ Charter payouts and the uncertainty of ongoing relationships with drivers and sponsors can either be compensated with money damages at trial or is simply inherent in the risks associated with the lawsuit.”
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