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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.

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Sources: Knights land Marner, give star 8 years

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Sources: Knights land Marner, give star 8 years

Mitch Marner was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights — with an eight-year extension in place, sources told ESPN on Monday. Forward Nicolas Roy will go to the Toronto Maple Leafs in return.

Marner’s new deal has a $12 million average annual value, according to sources. Marner, 28, was the biggest name entering Tuesday’s NHL free agency, and multiple teams were hoping to make pitches. Marner was the NHL’s fifth-leading scorer last season with 102 points — 36 more than the next-closest free agent. The winger was drafted by his hometown Maple Leafs with the No. 4 pick in 2015.

The Maple Leafs knew that Marner was looking to test free agency at the end of the season. Over the past few days, Toronto worked with Vegas, which was Marner’s preferred destination, on a trade. The Maple Leafs held Marner’s rights until just before midnight Tuesday.

Had Marner become an unrestricted free agent, he couldn’t have signed a deal for more than seven years.

Marner finished a six-year deal that paid him $10.9 million annually. Marner, who played for Team Canada at Four Nations and likely will make their Olympic team, has 221 goals and 741 points in nine NHL seasons.

Toronto general manager Brad Treliving has stayed busy this week, re-signing John Tavares and Matthew Knies while trading for Utah forward Matias Maccelli earlier Monday.

Roy, 28, is a center who is entering Year 4 of a five-year deal that pays him $3 million annually.

Ahead of the Marner trade, the Golden Knights created cap space by sending defenseman Nicolas Hague to the Nashville Predators on Monday.

The deal makes Marner the highest-paid player on Vegas, however, center Jack Eichel ($10 million AAV) is entering the final year of his contract and is eligible to sign an extension this summer. The Golden Knights might not be done this offseason. According to sources, defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is expected to go on long-term injured reserve, which could create more flexibility.

Sign-and-trades ahead of free agency are becoming a trend for NHL teams that know they will not sign their coveted player; last season, the Carolina Hurricanes dealt Jake Guentzel‘s rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning before he signed a seven-year deal.

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Sources: Panthers keeping Marchand, Ekblad

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Sources: Panthers keeping Marchand, Ekblad

Hours after re-signing Aaron Ekblad, the Florida Panthers kept another integral piece of their Stanley Cup team by re-signing Brad Marchand to a six-year contract extension, sources told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan.

Marchand’s deal has an average annual value of $5.25 million, sources told Kaplan.

Coming to terms with Ekblad on an eight-year extension worth $6.1 million annually left the Panthers with what PuckPedia projected to be $4.9 million in salary cap space.

There was the possibility that Marchand, 37, could have left the Panthers for a more lucrative offer elsewhere considering there were teams that had more than enough cap space to sign him.

Instead? Marchand, who arrived ahead of the NHL trade deadline from the Boston Bruins, appears as if he will remain in South Florida for the rest of his career.

Acquiring defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks and then adding Marchand were two decisions made by Panthers general manager Bill Zito with the intent of seeing the Panthers win a second consecutive Stanley Cup as part of a run that now has included three straight Cup Final appearances.

Marchand, who was a pending UFA entering the final day before free agency begins Tuesday, used the 2025 postseason to further cement why the Panthers and other teams throughout the NHL would still seek his services. He scored 10 goals and finished with 20 points in 23 playoff games.

For all the contributions he made, his greatest came during the Cup Final series against the Edmonton Oilers.

Marchand, who previously won a Cup with the Bruins back in 2011, opened the series with a goal in the first three games. That includes the two goals he scored in the Panthers’ 5-4 double-overtime win to tie the series with his second being the game-winning salvo.

He scored two more goals in a 5-2 win in Game 5 that allowed the Panthers to take a 3-1 series lead before returning to Sunrise, Florida, where they closed out the series with an emphatic 5-1 win.

Capturing a consecutive title created questions about whether the Panthers can win a third in a row. But there was the understanding that it might be difficult given there was only so much salary cap space to re-sign Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett, Ekblad and Marchand.

Knowing there was a chance they could lose one, or more, of them, Zito laid the foundation to retain the trio. He began by signing Bennett to an eight-year contract worth $8 million annually on June 27 before using Monday to sign Ekblad and Marchand.

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Sources: Provorov nets 7-year deal from Jackets

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Sources: Provorov nets 7-year deal from Jackets

Ivan Provorov decided to forgo free agency, with the veteran defenseman finalizing a seven-year extension Monday worth $8.5 million annually to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets, sources told ESPN, confirming earlier reports.

With free agency slated to start Tuesday, the 28-year-old was one of the most notable defenseman who had a chance to hit the open market.

Provorov’s decision to stay with the Blue Jackets comes shortly after it was reported that Aaron Ekblad also avoided free agency by agreeing to an eight-year extension to remain with the Florida Panthers. That now leaves players such as Vladislav Gavrikov, Ryan Lindgren, and Dmitry Orlov among the more prominent pending UFAs who could be available should they fail to strike a deal with their current teams.

Retaining Provorov comes months after a season that witnessed the Blue Jackets shed the title of being a rebuilding franchise to one that could challenge for the playoffs in 2025-26.

Four consecutive seasons without the playoffs created the idea that the 2024-25 campaign could be another challenging one. But a six-game winning streak in January saw Columbus post a 22-17-6 record to create the belief that a turnaround could be in order.

The Jackets closed the season with another six-game winning streak but fell short of the final Eastern Conference wild-card playoff spot, which went to the Montreal Canadiens by two points.

Provorov would finish with seven goals and 33 points in 82 games while his 23 minutes, 21 seconds in average ice time was second behind Norris Trophy finalist Zach Werenski.

Re-signing Provorov comes in an offseason that saw the Blue Jackets also strengthen their bottom-six forward corps by adding Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche.

PuckPedia projects that the Blue Jackets now have $20.957 million in cap space ahead of free agency.

TSN was first to report news of Provorov’s decision.

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